UK NEWS
Court rules on Scottish Power prepayment meters before approval from watchdog
Times investigation previously found British Gas was sending agents to forcibly install the meters
Warrants were granted to a a debt collection agency, Richburns, to access the homes of customers who are in debt with Scottish Power
NATASHA HIRST /REUTERS
A court has signed off 124 warrants for Scottish Power to force-fit prepayment meters in customers’ homes even though the firm has not yet proved to the energy regulator that it is adhering to new rules to protect the vulnerable.
In a pilot case, a debt collection agency, Richburns, appeared yesterday by video link at Reading magistrates’ court seeking warrants to access the homes of customers who are in debt with Scottish Power. Despite the agent telling the court that Scottish Power had not yet been approved as complying with new rules from Ofgem, the warrants were all granted.
Judge Samuel Goozee said that even though Ofgem had not yet provided Scottish Power with formal sign-off, it was evident in his view that the firm
