British Gas Fined £20 Million for Forcing Prepayment Meters on Customers

British Gas agreed to pay £20 million after a scandal.
The company will also pay compensation and write off £70 million in debt.
British Gas was criticized for breaking into homes to fit prepayment meters.
Ofgem found that British Gas knew about the issues in 2018 and 2021 but did not act.
Customers affected between 2018 and 2021 will get compensation and debt write-offs.
Agents broke into homes to install prepayment meters.
Ofgem CEO Tim Jarvis said British Gas treated customers badly and must fix it.
British Gas CEO Chris O'Shea apologized and said the company will make it right.
The company stopped the activity and improved its processes in 2023.
British Gas has made changes to help customers in debt and vulnerable situations.
Citizens Advice CEO Dame Clare Moriarty said the settlement shows suppliers must behave.
Many affected customers were left without heat and deserve compensation.
Ofgem must ensure energy suppliers do not put consumers at risk.
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition said British Gas knew about the issues but did not act.
The company forced prepayment meters on customers, including those with disabilities.
The £20 million fine and debt write-offs are a significant outcome.
Minister for Energy Consumers Martin McCluskey said consumers deserve a trustworthy energy market.
Ofgem and British Gas must ensure victims get the compensation they are owed.
The government will reform the energy regulator to prevent similar injustices.