WESTMINSTER’S energy security committee has been urged to take action after a district judge waved through forcible prepayment meter installations.

The decision to grant Scottish Power 124 warrants to enter homes to fit meters was made last week at Berkshire Magistrates Court.

It marked the first time the courts had allowed the practice since it was halted in February following a scandal.

Although Scottish Power was granted the warrants for homes whose bills were unpaid, nothing will happen until approval has been given by energy regulator Ofgem.

No supplier has yet satisfied all the criteria required after fittings were halted after debt collectors working for British Gas were exposed breaking into the homes of vulnerable people in order to install them. 

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has now asked the committee to take evidence within the next 28 days from Scottish Power, debt collection agency Richburns Ltd, His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service and Ofgem.

Co-ordinator Simon Francis said: “Forcing homes onto prepayment meters, which can cut off in the blink of an eye if not constantly topped up, leaves potentially vulnerable customers at risk of disconnection and going without energy.

“Rather than follow this barbaric practice, we need government and industry to agree to a ‘help to repay scheme’ which will help bring down the astronomical levels of energy debt and help households struggling with the cost-of-living crisis to get back on an even keel.”

National Pensioners Convention general secretary Jan Shortt added: “It is interesting that Scottish Power had warrants passed before November 8, when Ofgem’s mandatory regulations covering energy providers are due to come into force.

“We oppose magistrates signing warrants for forced entry in bulk.”

She urged magistrates to take “genuine steps” to ensure that every application for a warrant to force entry to fit a prepayment meter will be vigorously scrutinised.

Frazer Scott, CEO of Energy Action Scotland, said it was “dismayed” over the courts and suppliers’ actions ahead of the introduction of changes to regulations “which should ensure that no vulnerable person has to endure being subject to a forced installation.”

Warm This Winter spokeswoman Fiona Waters said it was “appalling” that the warrants were granted.

Jonathan Bean, of Fuel Poverty Action, accused the courts of failing to properly assess most cases and Ofgem of being “guilty of wishful thinking.” He urged ministers to act now to “end this inhumane and dangerous practice.”

A Scottish Power spokeswoman said: “We are working closely with Ofgem to ensure that vulnerable customers are protected and to assure the regulator that our processes — which include independent auditing — adhere rigidly to its guidelines.

“We are committed to adhering to the strict new conditions the regulator has put in place and we will continue to work considerately with customers to help them manage their debt.”

An Ofgem spokesperson said: “Ofgem put a set of clear conditions in place, which suppliers must meet before they can restart the involuntary installation of PPM.

“To date, no supplier has met those conditions and until they do no warrants to install a PPM should be executed.”

“We are aware that courts are running pilot schemes to test the application process for warrants, however our expectation of suppliers is clear.”

The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment.