Statement: Ofgem must do more to protect children’s rights from impact of forced pre-payment meters and energy disconnection

Date: 8th February 2024
Category: Child poverty

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Energy regulator Ofgem recently granted permission for three energy companies to restart a previously banned activity of force-fitting pre-payment meters in the homes of the most vulnerable. Read on to hear what Scotland’s Children and Young People’s Commissioner has said about the dangers of the practice for children and young people and their families.

Nicola Killean, Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland said: “We are disappointed to see that some energy companies can resume force-fitting pre-payment meters (PPM) in homes. Children and families have been protected from this practice since we and many others raised serious concerns last winter to regulator Ofgem and the UK Government. We warned that poor practice and inadequate regulation was leading to a significant risk of de facto disconnection for children and families living in the most vulnerable circumstances. Disabled children who rely on electrical medical equipment were at particular risk. 

“Today, hundreds of thousands of children remain in poverty, further exacerbated by high inflation and the cost of living. Experiencing poverty and energy insecurity can severely affect a child’s development and have a negative impact on their rights to mental and physical health, education, family relationships, standard of living, aspirations and life chances.”

• Read full statement here.