PRE-PAYMENT meters are forcing people to live in cold and damp homes, more than half of whom have poor health or disabilities, research by campaigners revealed today.

Some 64 per cent of customers on pre-payment meters are vulnerable, even before the predicted cold snap kicks in and increases energy bills, with 51 per cent having health conditions or disabilities, according to the figures collected by YouGov for the Warm This Winter campaign.

More than 10 per cent of customers on those meters have effectively self-disconnected by massively reducing their energy use.

More than 30 per cent of such customers now live in cold damp homes, more than the national average of 19 per cent.

Among the people on pre-payment meters and classified as vulnerable, 14 per cent are disconnecting and 36 per cent now living in a cold, damp home.

Publication of the research coincides with recent reports revealing that energy firms have secured almost 500,000 court warrants to instal pre-payment meters in the homes of customers in debt since the end of the coronavirus lockdown.

These customers will repay their energy debts and incur daily standing charges as well as paying more for energy due to the meters.

In some cases, courts are “batch approving” applicants for warrants, according to the investigation.

In one series of cases, almost 500 applications were issued in just under four minutes.

The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has called for a ban on the forced transfer of customers to pre-payment meters.

Co-ordinator Simon Francis said: “People on low incomes have always saved energy, but if people self-disconnect or drastically reduce their energy use, they are at risk from the severe health complications of living in a cold, damp home.

“Children and those who are elderly, disabled or have pre-existing medical conditions are especially vulnerable this winter.

“The research shows the scandal of people condemned to a winter of misery, forced on them by energy firms.

“These firms appear to be manipulating the courts to push people onto pre-payment meters.”

The National Pensioners Convention has called for a protest in London against excess winter mortality rates among older people in light of predictions that temperatures will plummet this week.

Protesters will gather by the George V Statue in Old Palace Yard tomorrow at 12pm.