Four million households to save on gas and electricity bills after crackdown on rip-off energy meters

Regulator says move, which comes into effect from April, will save typical prepayment customers around £80 a year

Those in financial distress can request to have debt repayments and bill payments reassessed, paused or reduced if needed (istock)

Ofgem has set a temporary price cap to protect over four million households who prepay for their energy.

The energy regulator said the move, which comes into effect from April, would save typical prepayment customers around £80 a year, with many seeing a reduction in their gas bill of around 10-15 per cent.

The cap is one of the Competition and Market Authority's (CMA) remedies following a two-year investigation into the energy market.

The investigation found prepayment meter customers face "particularly high levels of detriment" as competition among suppliers is less developed than for those who pay by direct debit, cash or cheque.

This means there are fewer tariffs available to these customers and the tariffs that are available are generally more expensive.

​Dermot Nolan, chief executive of Ofgem, said: "We want all consumers to enjoy the benefits of a more competitive energy market, regardless of their circumstances.

"Customers who prepay for their energy are denied the best deals on the market available to those using other payment methods.

"They are also more likely to be in vulnerable circumstances, including fuel poverty.

A CMA spokesman said: "We're pleased that Ofgem is bringing in the price cap we required for prepayment customers from April.

"This will deliver much-needed savings for some of the most vulnerable customers in the country.

"It follows our investigation, which found that those on prepayment meters face much higher bills than other customers and have far less chance to switch to cheaper deals."

"This temporary cap will protect these households as we work to deliver a more competitive, fairer and smarter market for all consumers."

The cap is due to expire at the end of 2020 when the roll out of smart meters is set to be completed.

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: "The cap set by Ofgem will help millions save money but action shouldn't stop there.

"The Government has rightly expressed concern that loyal customers on standard tariffs are paying over the odds for their gas and electricity.

"It could help more struggling households, including low-income pensioners and families, by extending this cap to people eligible to receive the warm homes discount."