British Gas has suspended the force-fitting of prepayment meters after a report said it imposed them on vulnerable customers.
The Times reported a company employed by British Gas had broken into homes to fit the meters, despite signs children and disabled people were living there.
Business Secretary Grant Shapps says he was horrified by the findings.
British Gas's owner Centrica says it would suspend the use of court warrants that allow forced installations.
Centrica says the suspension would last "until at least after winter" and that protecting vulnerable people was its priority.