NDM8219 Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv) - Prepayment meters and energy advice services

NDM8219 Jack Sargeant (Alyn and Deeside)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Believes that:

a) it is a national scandal that 600,000 people were forced onto prepayment meters in 2022 because they could not afford their energy bills;

b) energy regulator Ofgem has failed to protect vulnerable households by allowing energy suppliers to bypass proper checks;

c) those forced on to a prepay meter should be properly compensated by energy suppliers and switched back free of charge. 2. Notes that:

a) 3.2 million people were cut off from energy last year due to running out of credit on their prepay meter;

b) average household energy bills could rise even further, placing an additional burden on households already struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis. 3. Acknowledges the Welsh Government’s 2021-22 in-home energy advice pilot, providing proactive advice and outreach support to people who are, or at risk of being, in fuel poverty. 4. Calls on the Welsh Government to roll out an in-home energy advice service across Wales to ensure all households can access the support and advice they need.

Supporters

Alun Davies (Blaenau Gwent)

Carolyn Thomas (North Wales)

Delyth Jewell (South Wales East)

Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Jane Dodds (Mid and West Wales)

Jayne Bryant (Newport West)

Joyce Watson (Mid and West Wales)

Llyr Gruffydd (North Wales)

Luke Fletcher (South Wales West)

Mike Hedges (Swansea East)

Peredur Owen Griffiths (South Wales East)