British Gas will pay out a significant sum as part of a deal aimed at addressing complaints from customers whose meters were installed without consent. The energy company has faced backlash over its actions that began in 2018 and continued through 2021, during which it forced prepayment meter installations on homes struggling to keep up with their bills.
The compensation package includes a £20 million penalty for the misdeeds. In addition, there will be a support fund of £22 million along with debt write-offs amounting to as much as £70 million. According to Great Britain’s energy regulator, this was one of its most complex investigations ever.
Of note is that thousands of customers affected by these forced installations are set to benefit from the compensation and relief measures put in place. The move comes after a lengthy investigation into British Gas's practices during the Russian gas crisis when bills surged due to increased energy costs.
In one of its most significant rulings, Ofgem (the UK’s energy regulator) found that British Gas had acted improperly by installing meters without proper authorization or consent. This decision is part of a broader effort to ensure fair practices in the industry and protect consumers from unfair treatment during challenging economic times.
The compensation will be distributed over time, with specific criteria for eligibility being established based on customer complaints and documentation provided. The energy supplier has promised transparency throughout this process to address any concerns raised by affected customers.
British Gas is expected to begin the distribution of these funds in coming months, working closely with Ofgem to ensure a fair and transparent process. Customer support lines have been established for those seeking information or assistance related to their claims.
This article was produced by AVALW News on Friday, May 15, 2026 based on reporting from 6 verified news sources. Our editorial process cross-references facts from multiple independent outlets to deliver accurate, comprehensive coverage. All original sources are linked below.