The energy regulator has warned suppliers over their conduct as a temporary ban on the forced installation of prepayment meters ends. Ofgem said on Monday that it was allowing EDF, Octopus and Scottish Power to resume “involuntary” ‘Pay as you Go’ meter installations. That was because the three firms had met conditions to restart the controversial practice. It was outlawed by the watchdog industry-wide in February last year following an investigation that revealed how debt collectors had forced their way into the homes of vulnerable customers to install prepayment meters. They can be fitted when a household is in debt and mean that energy is cut off if no up-front payments are made. Charges for gas and electricity are typically higher for these customers than those who pay by direct debit. Last year, Ofgem increased the requirements that suppliers must meet to help prevent more direct debit customers from being forcibly moved to pay-as-you-go. These demand greater communication with struggling households. Prepayment meters cannot be fitted in the homes of people aged over 75 with …