Overview

This bill aims to protect energy customers with pre-payment meters from disconnection by requiring a grace period before disconnection and mandating energy companies to offer debt management support to all customers.

Description

The Pre-Payment Meters (Self-Disconnection) Bill requires energy suppliers to implement a minimum six-month grace period before disconnecting customers using pre-payment meters who have run out of credit. Suppliers may extend this period on a case-by-case basis. The bill also mandates that the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA) modify supply licenses to require energy companies to offer comprehensive debt management support to all domestic customers. This support must include flexible repayment plans based on individual affordability, specific aid for vulnerable customers, information about debt advice services, and accessible channels for addressing debt-related concerns. The bill applies to England, Wales, and Scotland and comes into effect upon passage.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify any direct government spending. The costs of implementing the grace period and debt management support will likely fall upon energy companies. No figures for potential cost impacts have been provided in the bill's text.

Groups Affected

• Energy Customers with Pre-payment Meters: Will benefit from a grace period before disconnection, preventing immediate service interruption.
• All Domestic Energy Customers: Will have access to mandatory debt management support from their energy supplier.
• Energy Suppliers: Will incur costs associated with implementing the grace period and providing debt management support. They will also face additional administrative burdens.
• Vulnerable Customers: Will receive specific support under the mandatory debt management plans.
• Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA): Responsible for modifying supply licenses to incorporate the debt management support requirements.

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