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Energy companies still using debt collectors during COVID-19 crisis

Energy firms still use debt collection during crisis
Maxine McCreadie
Maxine McCreadie

28th April 2020

Contents

It has been revealed that energy firms are still using debt collectors to pursue people for household gas and electricity arrears during the COVID-19 crisis.

This is despite over one million UK residents having been forced into claiming Universal Credit and other social security benefits over the last few weeks and many having to wait up to five weeks before they receive their first payment.

It is also despite the fact that only recently, energy providers entered an agreement with the UK Government saying they would work with customers who were adversely affected financially by the crisis and promised to provide them with extra support.

Threatening letters

Some of the letters that are being sent out are reported to be warning customers that arrangements may be put in place for doorstep collectors to visit them; and that their credit rating may be damaged if their details are shared with credit reference agencies.

These revelations will come as a surprise to many and appear to show that energy firms are acting contrary to the spirit of the recent supportive statements that were issued by the UK Government and the UK’s gas and electricity regulator, OFGEM.

What should you do if you have arrears?

If you are struggling to maintain your normal monthly payments to your gas and electricity provider, or indeed if you had arrears prior to this crisis, what you should do is contact your supplier.

If you have been adversely affected financially by the COVID-19 Crisis, you should inform them of this and ask that they show you some forbearance until your situation improves.

If a lender shows you forbearance, this means they should exercise restraint and exercise some flexibility towards you. In practice this means lenders should be prepared to enter into repayment plans and consider allowing you to repay your arrears over time, usually through monthly instalments. Alternatively, it may mean they give you a payment break.

Usually, the most important thing that you can do is pay your current bill each month for the fuel that you are actually using. To ensure you are not paying more than you should, you should provide the lender with an accurate reading from your gas and electricity meter.

Can you have your gas and electricity disconnected?

Although legally it is possible for lenders to disconnect your gas and electricity supply; during this crisis, OFGEM has said no-one should be disconnected.

Even in normal times, although it is legally possible for a fuel provider to disconnect you, it is actually extremely rare. This may come as a surprise to many as it is often threatened when people fall into arrears.

Instead, if you are experiencing financial difficulties, lenders should aim to enter into a repayment plan with you first; or alternatively, as a last resort, install a pre-payment meter.

Don’t pre-payment meters mean you disconnect yourself?

This is the main concern that many people have with pre-payment meters: that you will be forced to disconnect yourself if you cannot top up the meter. This is a particularly the case for many who may be self-isolating during this crisis.

If this is you, what OFGEM are recommending is people should first try and get family or friends to top up for them if possible, or instead it may be possible to do so online.

However, failing this, people should contact their provider and let them know what their situation is. The provider may then send someone out to top up your meter, or instead add credits to your meter or send out a pre-loaded top up card by post.

What if there are vulnerable people in your household?

If there is anyone in your household that is vulnerable, you should let your fuel provider know. This can mean anyone having to self-isolate because of a pre-existing condition or disability or anyone of pensionable age or under the age of 5 years old.

All fuel providers should maintain a Priority Services Register, which is a register of people who require additional support. If you believe you or anyone in your household is vulnerable, for the reasons above, you should contact your energy provider and ask to be included onto their Register.

Is there additional support available?

Most energy providers will operate a hardship fund. If you are experiencing financial hardship you should speak to your lender and ask about this. If you can make an application this will often mean been given a grant to help pay off your arrears; or alternatively funds to buy other essential white goods, like fridge freezers and cookers for your home.

 

Maxine McCreadie
Maxine McCreadie

Maxine is an experienced writer, specialising in personal insolvency. With a wealth of experience in the finance industry, she has written extensively on the subject of Individual Voluntary Arrangements, Protected Trust Deed's, and various other debt solutions.

How we reviewed this article:

HISTORY

Our debt experts continually monitor the personal finance and debt industry, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

April 28 2020

Written by
Maxine McCreadie

Edited by
Ben McCormack

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