Energy Costs (Pre-payment Meters and Social Tariffs) Bill

This bill aims to protect vulnerable energy consumers by introducing two main measures: regulating prepayment meter charges to prevent users from paying significantly more than standard customers, and requiring energy suppliers to offer affordable 'social tariffs' to lowincome households. Prepayment meters currently often charge higher unit rates despite being used disproportionately by poorer households, and this bill seeks to cap that premium. The social tariff requirement would create a dedicated lowcost energy option for struggling families, similar to schemes already operating in some European countries.