Ofgem said it was looking into the reasons behind the increase in the number of PPM being installed for non-payment of debt on a warrant visit.
The regulator said suppliers should be doing all they can to support customers struggling to pay by providing energy advice, signposting to social support and setting outstanding debt at an affordable repayment level after the appropriate checks have been made for medical and mobility issues.
Ofgem said it was “committed to supporting vulnerable customers” and will be formalising the current voluntary practise of allowing PPM customers with a debt of up to £500 per fuel to switch, by making it an obligation.
An Ofgem spokesperson said: “Installing pre-payment meters under warrant should be used as a last resort by energy suppliers when consumers get into debt. It is a way to prevent a customer from being disconnected. Suppliers can only install a prepayment meter where it is safe and reasonably practical for the consumer to use.”