Thousands of Britons turn to prepayment meters amid energy crisis

Nearly 10,000 prepayment meters are predicted to be installed every month this winter, according to a report

As the energy crisis hits UK household budgets, thousands of Britons will be pushed onto prepayment electricity and gas meters this winter.

New analysis by comparison website Uswitch estimates that around 10,000 prepayment meters will be installed a month in winter as people struggle to pay their bills.

Experts have stressed that the number of meter installations is rising, with almost 60,000 new meters installed in Britain in the six months to March.

The authors of the report have warned about the risk of seeing more disconnections as households could lack credit on their meters as a result of the cost of living crisis.

Richard Neudegg, Director of Regulation at Uswitch, said: “With energy prices set to rise again in April, this is a warning of things to come and we will most likely see more and more households moved to prepayment meters in the coming months and years.

“Families and individuals on prepayment meters will be plunged into darkness as they self-disconnect when they can’t afford to top up.”

A few days ago, a report by Citizens Advice suggested that energy debt could force nearly 450,000 customers onto prepayment meters this winter.

Make sure you check out the latest Net Hero Podcast episode:

Latest Podcast