Energy supplier British Gas will pay out £20 million and provide compensation to customers who received prepayment meters without consent, following a detailed investigation by regulator Ofgem.
Compensation for Affected Customers
The payouts target customers impacted between 2018 and 2021, in addition to redress already issued for those affected in 2022 and 2023. British Gas also commits to writing off up to £70 million in energy debt for vulnerable households as part of the settlement.
Complex Ofgem Probe
Ofgem describes the probe into the supplier’s five-year policies as one of its most intricate cases. Tim Jarvis, Ofgem’s chief executive, stated: “It is clear that British Gas fell short in its treatment of an unacceptable number of vulnerable customers who had a prepayment meter installed without consent, and it’s right that they’ve taken action to put things right. Because of our action customers will receive a substantial package of redress, compensation and debt write off.”
