New principles aimed at easing the switching process for prepayment customers with smart meters have been launched.

Energy UK said the principles will ensure suppliers provide the information and support needed by customers who have a smart meter in prepayment mode before, during and after switching companies.

Suppliers that have signed the principles will agree to implement them as they roll out smart prepayment, which will be immediately for some and within the next 18 months for others.

The initial signatories include Bristol Energy, Boost, British Gas, EDF Energy, Extra Energy, Green Start Energy, npower, ScottishPower, SSE, Toto Energy, Utility Warehouse and Utilita.

The news comes as Ofgem confirmed a £150 cap for customers in debt who are forced to have prepayment meters installed.

Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of Energy UK said: “The launch of the smart prepayment switching principles demonstrates the industry’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the switching process works well for customers and providing support for those who need it.

“Smart meters bring great benefits to consumers and as the rollout continues, more and more prepayment customers will be able to switch with confidence as a result of these principles.”