The Electricity (Prepayment Meter) Regulations 2006

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations enable an electricity supplier to collect sums through an electricity prepayment meter in prescribed circumstances. Regulation 3 allows an electricity prepayment meter to be used to collect sums relating to any, or all, of—

(a) the supply of electricity or the provision of an electricity meter at premises previously owned or occupied by the customer; or

(b) the supply of gas or the provision of a gas meter, either at the premises where the prepayment meter is installed or at premises previously owned or occupied by the customer.

Regulation 3(2) allows sums owing for these purposes to be consolidated with sums due for supply of electricity or the provision of an electricity meter at the premises on which the prepayment meter is installed.

Both the customer and the supplier must enter into an agreement to use the prepayment meter for these purposes. Prior to entering into such an agreement the electricity supplier must orally inform the customer of key aspects of the operation of the prepayment meter as specified in regulation 4(3).

Regulations 4, 5 and 6 specify written terms that must be included in the agreement, where applicable. The agreement does not need to be signed by the customer or the supplier.

An agreement as specified in the Regulations is not required when the electricity prepayment meter is being used solely to collect sums for the supply of electricity or provision of an electricity prepayment meter to the current premises.