Friday 10 Jan 2020 @ 10:15
Ofgem
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Ofgem investigates Utilita on prepayment price cap

Ofgem has launched an investigation into whether Utilita broke rules around charging customers above the permitted level of the price cap for prepayment meter customers, between May and September 2019.

The Prepayment Meter Price Cap came into force on 1 April 2017. The cap is temporary, and applies to prepayment meter customers on a non-fixed deal and without an interoperable smart meter. Suppliers can price to the level of the cap or below it, but cannot charge more.

The opening of this investigation does not imply that we have made any findings about non-compliance by Utilita.

Notes to Editors

  1. For more information on the licence conditions we are examining see our investigation into Utilita and its compliance with obligations under Standard Licence Conditions (SLC) 28A
  2. The cap does not apply to interoperable smart meters, which are meters that can continue to fully work in their smart functionality if customers switch supplier. It does not apply to fixed term deals.

Further information

For media, contact:

Michelle Amos: 0207 901 1881

Media out of hours mobile: 07766 511470 (media calls only)

General enquiries (non-media)

If you are an energy customer looking for help and advice, including complaints about energy firms, please see our Household gas and electricity guide. Citizens Advice also provide a free, impartial helpline service across a range of issues on 03454 040506.

We also regularly share news and post general advice to help consumers get the most out of their energy services via our @Ofgem twitter and Facebook pages.If you have an enquiry or complaint relating to Ofgem’s policies or functions, contact us at consumeraffairs@ofgem.gov.uk or on 020 7901 7295.

For all other non-media related enquiries, please visit our Contact us page.

About Ofgem

Ofgem is the independent energy regulator for Great Britain. Its priority is to make a positive difference for consumers by promoting competition in the energy markets and regulating networks.

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Related Links

Investigation into Utilita and its compliance with its obligations under the gas and electricity supply licences, Standard Licence Condition SLC 28A (pre-payment charge restriction)

 

Channel website: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/

Original article link: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/ofgem-investigates-utilita-prepayment-price-cap

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