Citizens Advice has reported a substantial increase in self-disconnections from prepayment meters (PPMs).
According to the figures, there were nearly 22,000 cases of self-disconnection last year, reflecting a significant 657% surge compared to the previous year’s count of just over 2,900 incidents.
Self-disconnection, in the context of prepayment meters, is defined as the interruption of electricity or gas supply by consumers due to an insufficient credit on the meter or account.
This practice is often accompanied by what is termed as ‘self-rationing,’ where customers limit their energy use to save money or restrict spending in other areas to ensure sufficient funds for topping up the PPM.
Both self-disconnection and self-rationing can have notable consequences for the health and wellbeing of consumers.
