The regulator of the energy sector, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has introduced a range of new protections for customers of electricity and gas companies.
In a statement the CRU says this is "in the context of the current volatility in global energy prices."
The measures include a short extension of the period during which customers cannot be disconnected. It currently runs from mid-December to mid-January.
That period will now be extended to run from December 1st to 28th February.
While vulnerable customers will have their moratorium extended to six months from October 1st until March 31st.
From November 1st, customers in debt will have a period of two years in which to repay their debts.
The new measures also include a reduction in the percentage of any payment made under pay-as-you-go schemes which goes towards paying down any outstanding debts.
This will be set at 10%. Up to now, energy supplies could deduct up to 25% of any payment to offset existing debts.
This will be effective from October 1st.
Utility companies will also be expected to ‘actively promote’ codes of practice for vulnerable customers.
