Catherine has raised concerns in Parliament over the forced installation of pre-payment meters and resulting disconnections from power. 

During Energy Security and Net Zero Questions, Catherine challenged Ministers over what action they were taking to protect people from the forced installation of pre-payment meters leading to further disconnections, on the day that Ofgem has announced a new Code of Practise on forced pre-payment installation.

Catherine outlined that “Citizens Advice Newcastle saw a 229% increase in people needing help with energy top up costs facing disconnection last year”. Research from the Citizens Advice Bureau also highlights that, in the North East, 17% of people using prepayment meters are being disconnected at least once a month, with almost 1 in 10 being disconnected at least once a week.

Whilst welcoming the new Ofgem guidance, Catherine highlighted that “it still allowed those deemed ‘medium risk’, so parents with children under five, pregnant women, and those aged between 75 and 84 being forced onto pre-payment meters”.

Catherine asked Ministers “what more will the Government do to ensure that vulnerable people will not still be forced to have pre-payment meters installed, and face living without heat and light”.

Following her question, Catherine commented:

 “Ofgem’s new guidance provides additional protections for some, but many vulnerable people remain at risk of being forced onto pre-payment meters, which could lead to their energy being disconnected, leaving people unable to heat or light their home. 

 “With the cost of living crisis, food inflation and energy costs that will remain high as the government’s support packages are ending, more people risk being forced onto pre-payment meters. It cannot be right that whilst increasing numbers of people face being cut off, energy giants are making record windfall profits from the current situation”.