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Jeffus
Rank 20
Jeffus
Rank 20
April 17, 2023

Ban on prepayment meters

  • April 17, 2023
  • 4 replies
  • 113 views

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
    Super User
    BPLightlogSuper User
    Super User
    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

    Bring me Sunshine ~ E&E {Solar PV, Battery Storage, Hybrid EV, ASHP and Home Assistant automation}
      Firedog
      Super User
      FiredogSuper User
      Super User
      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 😉

       

      Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
      Tim_OVO
      OVO Staff
      Tim_OVO
      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.

      Carbon neutral - we need a community to get there! My green tech: Aclara SGM 1411-B smart meter, Chameleon IHD6
      Firedog
      Super User
      FiredogSuper User
      Super User
      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 👍

      Noel | I have no official status; I'm just a volunteer who comes here to help other customers. My gear: Aclara SGM 1416-B Electricity-only E7 meter; Chameleon IHD3-PPMID-AAA | It may look as if I know what I’m talking about, but don’t let that fool you. |
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