British Gas commits to a £20 million payout and additional compensation for customers fitted with prepayment meters without consent, regulator Ofgem confirms after a detailed investigation.
Compensation for Affected Customers
The energy provider will cover customers impacted between 2018 and 2021, building on prior payments made to those affected in 2022 and 2023. Vulnerable customers also benefit from up to £70 million in energy debt write-offs under the deal.
Investigation Highlights
Ofgem describes the probe into the supplier’s five-year policies as one of its most intricate cases. Tim Jarvis, Ofgem’s chief executive, states: “British Gas fell short in its treatment of an unacceptable number of vulnerable customers who had a prepayment meter installed without consent, and it’s right that they’ve taken action to put things right. Because of our action, customers will receive a substantial package of redress, compensation, and debt write-off.”
