British Gas and other energy customers to receive £40 under new Ofgem rules

Ofgem will require suppliers including British Gas, Octopus, EDF and Ovo to pay customers an automatic £40 if they wait more than six weeks for a smart meter appointment, if an installation fails due to a supplier fault, or if a reported smart meter problem is not met with a resolution plan within five working days.

Ofgem is imposing tougher rules on energy suppliers over smart meter installations. From February, the regulator says suppliers such as British Gas, Octopus, EDF and Ovo must pay customers automatic compensation in specified situations. The change covers delays, failed appointments and unresolved smart meter problems. The regulator announced the measures to set clearer expectations for suppliers and customers. Key points: - Ofgem will require suppliers to make an automatic £40 payment in certain circumstances starting in February. - Customers should receive £40 if they have to wait more than six weeks for a smart meter installation appointment. - Customers should receive £40 if a smart meter installation appointment fails because of a fault within the supplier's control. - Customers should receive £40 if they report a smart meter problem and the supplier does not provide a resolution plan within five working days of the report. Summary: These rules mean some energy customers will receive a small automatic payment when smart meter services fall short. Suppliers will be subject to the tougher measures from February. Details about enforcement and broader implementation are undetermined at this time.