Utilities Query

[Elizabeth 2]

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to swap Energy Suppliers if you have an amount outstanding with your current providers?

[Tools]

Re: Utilities Query

I may be wrong, but as far as I am aware yes you can. However, if you have an outstanding balance owed to your current supplier they may demand this in full and may not give you as much time to repay.

What are the circumstances surrounding your need to switch. If you are in arrears with your current supplier we may be able to help in dealing with this or any other debts you may have, just ask, no one judges and we the Beagles don't bite.

[calamity jane]

Re: Utilities Query

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/...icity_supplier



Changing supplier when you have a debt

If you have an electricity debt, you may not be accepted by a new supplier.
If you've owed the money for less than 28 days, for example, you haven't paid a recent bill, you will still be able to change supplier. The money you owe will be transferred to your new supplier.
You will also be allowed to change supplier if you use a prepayment meter and have a debt of up to £100. Your debt will be transferred to your new supplier. For more information about changing your supplier when you have a debt, contact Consumer Direct – see under heading Useful organisations.




CJ

[Elizabeth 2]

Re: Utilities Query

I may be wrong, but as far as I am aware yes you can. However, if you have an outstanding balance owed to your current supplier they may demand this in full and may not give you as much time to repay.

What are the circumstances surrounding your need to switch. If you are in arrears with your current supplier we may be able to help in dealing with this or any other debts you may have, just ask, no one judges and we the Beagles don't bite.

My Gas/Elec are from the same supplier. My bills were paid by monthly DD the February DD was referred by the bank and E.ON in their infinite wisdom decided to cancell the DD. I only became aware of this on the 27 April when I received an email from them telling me that the DD had been cancelled and I now owe the full amount of £562.26.

I had a letter from them dated 10 May telling me that as I had failed to keep to the payment arrangement I agreed with them this amount is due in full and immediately. If they do not receive this payment my account will be passed to a debt collection agency and they may also take legal action to collect the debt.:cry:

[enaid]

Re: Utilities Query

I would firstly try and make another payment arrangement with E.On. This figure must cover current consumption plus something off the arrears. If the company does not accept the offer, start the payments. Fuel companies have a Code of Practice in which they should accept offers of payment at an affordable rate. Please make sure though you can easily afford what you are offering to pay.

If you are in receipt of Income Support or Income based Job Seekers Allowance you could ask the Department for Work & Pensions to take weekly deductions from your benefit and pay it direct to the fuel company. This covers the fuel you currently use together with a set amount towards the arrears.
To arrange direct payments, contact the Department for Work & Pensions and advise the fuel company that you have done so.
If the fuel company says that they no longer do this scheme then still pursue it. The fuel company does not have the power to make this decision, the Department for Work & Pensions does.

They may insist also that you go on a repayment meter and they are entitled to do so.


Lastly if you have had DD's referred you will have Bank Charges, are you in the process of reclaiming these?
Hope this helps
Enaid x