Energy Act 2004

181 Prepayment meters

(1) In Schedule 2B to the Gas Act 1986 (c. 44) (which sets out the gas code), for paragraph 6A substitute—

“6A (1) A pre-payment meter installed by an authorised supplier through which a consumer takes his supply of gas shall not be used to recover a sum unless—

(a) the sum is owed to an authorised supplier in respect of the supply of gas to the premises on which the meter is installed or in respect of the provision of the meter; or

(b) the recovery of the sum in that manner is permitted by both—

(i) regulations made by the Authority; and

(ii) an agreement falling within sub-paragraph (2) below between the consumer and the person to whom the sum is owed.

(2) An agreement falls within this sub-paragraph if—

(a) the person to whom the sum is owed is a person who is authorised by regulations made by the Authority to enter into agreements falling within this sub-paragraph;

(b) the agreement permits that person to use the meter in question to recover such sums as may be specified in or determined under the agreement; and

(c) the agreement complies with the requirements specified for the purposes of this sub-paragraph by regulations made by the Authority.

(3) The sums that regulations under this paragraph may permit the recovery of through a pre-payment meter include—

(a) sums owed to a person other than an authorised supplier;

(b) sums owed in respect of premises other than the premises on which the meter is installed;

(c) sums owed in respect of matters other than the supply of gas.

(4) Before making regulations under this paragraph the Authority must consult—

(a) the Council;

(b) all authorised suppliers;

(c) such other persons as the Authority considers appropriate.

(5) The approval of the Secretary of State is required for the making of regulations under this paragraph.”

(2) In paragraph 12 of Schedule 7 to the 1989 Act (use of pre-payment meters), for sub-paragraph (2) substitute—

“(2) A pre-payment meter installed by an authorised supplier through which a customer of such a supplier takes his supply of electricity shall not be used to recover a sum unless—

(a) the sum is owed to an authorised supplier in respect of the supply of electricity to the premises on which the meter is installed or in respect of the provision of the meter; or

(b) the recovery of the sum in that manner is permitted by both—

(i) regulations; and

(ii) an agreement falling within sub-paragraph (3) below between the customer and the person to whom the sum is owed.

(3) An agreement falls within this sub-paragraph if—

(a) the person to whom the sum is owed is a person who is authorised by regulations to enter into agreements falling within this sub-paragraph;

(b) the agreement permits that person to use the meter in question to recover such sums as may be specified in or determined under the agreement; and

(c) the agreement complies with the requirements specified for the purposes of this sub-paragraph by regulations.

(4) The sums that regulations under this paragraph may permit the recovery of through a pre-payment meter include—

(a) sums owed to a person other than an authorised supplier;

(b) sums owed in respect of premises other than the premises on which the meter is installed;

(c) sums owed in respect of matters other than the supply of electricity.

(5) Before making regulations under this paragraph the Authority must consult—

(a) the Council;

(b) all authorised suppliers;

(c) such other persons as the Authority considers appropriate.”