The Bishop of Oxford received the following written answers on 26th October 2022:
The Lord Bishop of Oxford asked His Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the number of (1) forced prepay energy meter installs, and (2) forced prepay energy meter switches, that will take place this winter.
Lord Callanan (Con): The Government does not make an estimate of the number of prepayment meters installed or switched. The energy Regulator, Ofgem, has reported that the number of prepayment meters installed for debt under warrant in 2021 was 49,552.
Ofgem rules restrict the force fitting of a prepayment meter to repay debt except as a last resort.
The Lord Bishop of Oxford asked His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the number of new prepayment energy meters installed this upcoming winter.
Lord Callanan: Many customers prefer prepayment meters to help them budget.
Ofgem’s License Conditions require suppliers to consider all options for appropriate debt management. This can include installing a prepayment meter, but suppliers have to consider whether this is safe and practicable, including whether a prepayment meter is appropriate for the specific customer. Ofgem rules restrict the force fitting of a prepayment meter to repay debt except as a last resort.
The Lord Bishop of Oxford asked His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to protect customers with prepayment energy meters this winter.
Lord Callanan: Many customers choose prepayment meters to help them budget and avoid going into debt. Ofgem rules require energy suppliers to offer emergency and additional support credit or alternative short-term support to help prepayment meter customers stay on supply.
The Energy Price Guarantee will ensure that a typical household will pay on average £2,500 a year on their energy bill for the next two years from 1 October 2022. This includes prepayment customers, and will save a typical household £1,000 a year based on current energy prices.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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