Fury as British Gas agents break into vulnerable people's homes and force them onto prepayment meters when they struggle to pay eye-watering bills
The controversial practice sees energy companies apply to the courts for permission for debt agents to force their way into customers' homes and fit a meter if they fall behind on bills.
In one case, debt agents broke into a single father-of-three's home to install a prepayment meter during freezing conditions, and in another instance they force-fit one at the home of a young mother who had a four-week-old baby and was facing soaring energy bills. After fitting, British Gas typically charges £6.50 from their balance to pay back debts, while hundreds is added to cover charges for the debt collectors.
It was also found that Arvato workers are encouraged to force-fit meters through bonuses, which can incentivise them to ignore vulnerabilities – defined by Ofgem as people at retirement age, disabled people, those with mental health conditions, pregnant mothers, or those with a child under five.
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