Energy Regulator warns providers not to cut off vulnerable customers

The Commission for Energy Regulation has warned energy suppliers that they cannot disconnect vulnerable customers during the winter period.

In a letter today to all energy suppliers in the domestic electricity and gas markets, the Commission said it also wants them to absorb 50% of the cost of disconnecting customers who are in arrears.

Customers in genuine financial hardship must be offered pre-payment and pay-as-you-go metering facilities as an alternative to disconnection.

The Commission says growing customer debt is one of the biggest issues facing the energy industry this year.