Small energy supplier Avro has been banned from taking on new customers over its controversial stance on smart meters.
Energy regulator Ofgem issued the firm with a final order on 3 April, which stated it would no longer be able to accept new customers if it continued to reject a smart meter scheme.
The ultimatum said it would no longer be able to accept new customers after 26 May if it hadn't joined the network.
The ban has now been enforced and will remain in place until the supplier becomes a Data Communications Company (DCC) user, which would provide smart meter functionality to its customers.
All energy firms were required to become DCC users by 25 November 2017.
However, Avro Energy missed this initial deadline, and to date is not a DCC user. This means that if someone with a smart meter switches to the challenger supplier from another provider, their smart meter would lose smart functionality and effectively 'go dumb'.
It also means existing customers with smart meters will continue to have to provide manual meter readings.
As part of the order, Avro Energy was required to become a DCC user by 25 July 2019.
The supplier agreed to a ban on taking on new customers after 26 May 2019 if it hadn't become a DCC user by this date.
Avro Energy's website now states: "Unfortunately we are not currently accepting new customers. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."
An Ofgem spokesperson said: "As set out in the final order, Avro has been banned from taking on new customers until it becomes a DCC user.
"Once that happens, the sales ban will be lifted. Any updates will be published on our website."
