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Ban on prepayment meters

  • April 17, 2023
  • 4 replies
  • 92 views

Jeffus
Plan Zero Hero
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Interesting development on pre payment meter installation

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/apr/17/energy-firms-ban-forced-prepay-meter-installations-over-85s-body-cams

Does it go far enough?

How will it work with the OVO Priority Service Register? 

4 replies

BPLightlog
Plan Zero Hero
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  • Plan Zero Hero
  • April 17, 2023

I wonder who are regarded as vulnerable. Although 85+ is a useful defined example, I do wonder if there’s an industry definition which is followed by all suppliers for others at risk. Perhaps the PSR might be a useful starting point


Firedog
Plan Zero Hero
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  • Plan Zero Hero
  • April 17, 2023

It seems strange to apply an age limit on policies like this. There seems to be an assumption of equivalences, like old = stupid or old = poor. What’s so different about being 85 rather than 84, I wonder?

 

Incidentally, I searched this forum for information about the PSR, and found nothing other than references to posts where it was mentioned. I then used the Help link on the account page and found Priority Services Register | Help | OVO Energy. This page was depressingly unhelpful; I have often been urged to sign up, but I wonder why, when the service is provided for “vulnerable customers who need extra support”.  The support offered only lists things I get anyway (notice of planned power cuts) or don’t need (read aloud, braille or gas checks). What would really help is lower prices 😉

 


Tim_OVO
Retired Moderator
  • OVO Forum Legend
  • April 18, 2023

Good feedback, @Firedog - shall we get some PSR content set up here? 

 

Great to hear there’s industry action to support vulnerable customers. See OVO’s 10 point plan for more that needs doing.


Firedog
Plan Zero Hero
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  • Plan Zero Hero
  • April 18, 2023

… shall we get some PSR content set up here? 

@Tim_OVO The Help article is very sparse. I signed up to the PSR at some stage, but I don’t remember seeing any reaction or evidence that it’s helping at all. I didn’t realize until later that this wasn’t just OVO, but a multi-service operation. So perhaps a more comprehensive forum article might be called for.

 

Great to hear there’s industry action to support vulnerable customers. See OVO’s 10 point plan for more that needs doing.

That’s really good, and satisfying to see that some of the boxes have been ticked in just six months. Kudos to those responsible 👍