Prepayment meter customers warned they may be paying off a previous tenant’s debts

This is why, when customers fall behind on their bills, energy companies use them to make sure people don’t use the energy they have not paid for. 

But this payment option is typically more expensive, with around a third of those with the meters being classed as vulnerable, according to fuel poverty charities. But adding insult to injury, customers could even be paying more than they should during a time when energy bills are already at record highs.

Malka Townshend is the co-founder of data firm Sagacit. She also previously worked in billing and debt management for the energy firm EO.N. 

She told Express.co.uk: “What happens is, utility companies install prepayment meters in properties in one of two ways. Either they have been asked to install the meters as it could be a landlord who owns student accommodation and doesn’t want to be left with a bill if there is a short-term let and things like that. 

Article source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1739337/prepayment-meter-energy-debt-tenant-latest