Ofgem's forced PPM rules in 2026 — what changed and how to switch tariff

From April 2026, Ofgem's strengthened Code of Practice tightens forced prepayment meter installations even further. Forced PPM is now banned outright for several vulnerable groups, and PPM customers have wider tariff choice than at any point since 2022.

  • Who is now fully exempt from forced PPM (expanded list, April 2026)
  • Smart PPM rates: still parity with direct debit, plus 4 sub-cap PPM fixes available now
  • How to switch from PPM to credit, or from PPM to a better PPM tariff
Find a better PPM tariff Who is exempt?

Information reflects the April 2026 update to Ofgem's Code of Practice. If you're at risk of forced PPM, contact your supplier immediately and seek free advice from Citizens Advice.

What changed in April 2026

  • Forced PPM remains a last resort only, with mandatory affordability assessment, welfare check and 30-day notice.
  • Expanded exemptions: any household with a child under 14 (up from 5), anyone over 75 (down from 85 originally), anyone receiving Disability Living Allowance, PIP, Attendance Allowance, or with a long-term health condition.
  • Independent assessor review now mandatory for every contested forced PPM, not just disputed cases.
  • Code of Practice compliance reporting made public — Ofgem publishes supplier-level forced PPM rates quarterly.
  • Smart-mode switch only — physical "land-lord" PPM installations are no longer permitted where a SMETS2 meter exists; suppliers must switch the meter into smart prepayment mode, which is fully reversible.
  • £0 surcharge on PPM — direct debit vs PPM parity confirmed in April 2026 cap review and extended through 2027.

Households now fully exempt from forced PPM (April 2026)

  • Households with at least one child under the age of 14
  • Any resident aged 75 or over
  • Anyone in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, PIP or Attendance Allowance
  • Households where any resident has a long-term mental or physical health condition that could be made worse by self-disconnection
  • Households with anyone in terminal illness or palliative care
  • Anyone on oxygen therapy, dialysis or other life-supporting equipment at home
  • Pregnancy in the third trimester

If a supplier is pursuing forced PPM and one of these applies, write to them quoting Ofgem Code of Practice Rule 27A and escalate to the Energy Ombudsman if not resolved within 14 days.

Find a better PPM tariff

If you're on standard PPM, you can switch to a sub-cap PPM fix or to a credit tariff (subject to credit check). We'll show what's available for your meter type and region.

  • 4 sub-cap smart PPM fixes available in May 2026
  • Free help with PPM-to-credit switches
  • No obligation

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Switching PPM → credit in 2026

  1. Clear or agree a plan on any PPM debt > £500 per fuel. Debts ≤ £500 per fuel can move with you via DAP.
  2. Pass a credit check with the new supplier. Most major suppliers use a soft check — no footprint on your file.
  3. Smart meter reversal is software-only — no engineer visit needed if you have a SMETS2 meter. Older PPM meters need a physical exchange.
  4. Direct debit set up, switch completes in 5 working days.
  5. You join the standard credit tariff — you can then switch onto any fix available to credit customers.

Sub-cap PPM fixes — May 2026

Supplier / tariff Term vs Q2 2026 PPM cap Smart-only?
E.ON Next — Pledge PPM Fixed 12m12m~4% belowYes (SMETS2)
Octopus Energy — Prepay 12M Fixed12m~3% belowYes (SMETS2)
British Gas — Pay As You Go Plus12m~2% belowYes
EDF — Easy Prepay 12m12m~2% belowYes (or legacy with engineer visit)

Sub-cap PPM is a new category in 2026 — until 2025 most PPM customers had no choice but the capped standard tariff. If you're still on standard PPM, switching to one of these fixes typically saves £40–£70/year for typical use.

Forced PPM & switching FAQs (2026)

Check the April 2026 exemption list above. If any apply, write to them stating the exemption and copy Citizens Advice. Get free advice from National Debtline (0808 808 4000).
Only after a full affordability assessment and 30-day notice. The April 2026 rules require independent assessor sign-off for every contested case.
No. Since the 2023 levelling, PPM and direct debit are at parity under the Ofgem cap. The April 2026 cap review extended parity through 2027.
Yes — DAP applies to PPM. Debts up to £500 per fuel move with the switch. Larger debts need a repayment plan first.
When a PPM household runs out of credit and stops using energy. Suppliers must offer "additional support credit" (£10–£40 emergency credit) to bridge to your next top-up.
SMETS2 meters can switch between credit and prepayment modes via the DCC remotely — usually within 1–2 working days. SMETS1 meters often still need a physical exchange.

How we assess this

Last updated
May 2026

Reflects Ofgem's April 2026 Code of Practice update for involuntary PPM, and the Q2 2026 cap parity extension to 2027. Sub-cap PPM fixes verified May 2026.

Sources & help

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Updated on 22 May 2026