Ofgem warns suppliers over forcible installation of prepayment meters

Directive comes as energy minister expresses horror' at claims British Gas contractor allegedly broke into vulnerable customers' homes

The energy minister has expressed horror" at revelations about a British Gas contractor allegedly breaking into vulnerable customers' homes as the market watchdog Ofgem warned all suppliers against forcibly installing prepayment meters.

Graham Stuart met Chris O'Shea, the chief executive of Centrica, which owns British Gas, and demanded urgent answers to issues raised by a Times investigation into the firm's practices, which has prompted ministerial fury.