Smart meter: ‘Remote disconnect’ myth BUSTED – what to expect as bills soar | Personal Finance | Finance

Ms Armstrong explained that if a person has a smart meter and they fall into difficult financial circumstances, the energy provider would first replace the meter with a smart pre-payment meter which would come paired with an app to top up rather than going to a shop. 

She added: “The benefit of using an app to top up from anywhere, with this app also sending alerts when the balance on the meter is low.”

Ofgem reiterated that switching off energy supplies is a very last resort and urged Britons who were unable to pay their bills should approach their supplier as soon as possible to discuss their options. 

An Ofgem spokesperson said: “If a consumer does not engage with their supplier on a debt and 28 days pass, the supplier can contact them about the possibility of disconnecting their energy supply, however, it’s rare that consumers are disconnected.”

A Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) spokesperson added: “There are strict rules in place to protect consumers in debt with their energy supplier, whether a customer has a smart or traditional meter. 

“Suppliers simply cannot disconnect customers unless as an absolute last resort, and only then when a supplier has gone through all due process as set out by Ofgem with plenty of notice for consumers.

“This includes particular protections for vulnerable consumers, such as those with disabilities and long-term illnesses, in payment difficulty, including obligations for suppliers to set up a regular instalment plan and introduce flexible repayment rates.”