More than half a million pre-payment energy meters have been forcibly installed in people's homes over the last six years, according to figures obtained by BBC Radio 5 live. Ofgem said it would investigate after the figures - for England, Scotland and Wales - were released. Energy suppliers can gain a court order to install a pre-pay meter when customers run up debt. Industry body Energy UK said pre-paying helped some people manage a budget. But Citizens Advice said pre-pay customers got a "raw deal", paying £80 a year more on average than direct debit customers.

'People become trapped'

Energy watchdog Ofgem said it would be "looking into reasons behind the increase in the number of PPMs installed for non-payment of debt on a warrant visit". "Suppliers can only install a pre-payment meter where it is safe and reasonably practical for the consumer to use," a spokesman said......Read more here