SSE - debt

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MakeAChange_2
MakeAChange_2 Posts: 102 Forumite
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in Energy
I have a debt on gas and elec accounts which im bringing down but i want to change but can't with a debt, even though if I change supplier I may have more towards the debt, is there anything I can do?
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  • spiro
    spiro Posts: 6,403 Forumite
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    You can only switch with a debt if you are repaying it via a PPM. Other than that you have to stay with your current supplier. Just makre sure you are on their cheapest tariff.
    IT Consultant in the utilities industry specialising in the retail electricity market.

    4 Credit Card and 1 Loan PPI claims settled for £26k, 1 rejected (Opus).
  • MakeAChange_2
    MakeAChange_2 Posts: 102 Forumite
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    Hi, What is a PPM ?
  • mac.d
    mac.d Posts: 1,345 Forumite
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    PPM = pre-payment meter
  • footyguy
    footyguy Posts: 4,157 Forumite
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    edited 1 May 2017 at 10:59AM
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    MakeAChange wrote: »
    I have a debt on gas and elec accounts which im bringing down but i want to change but can't with a debt, even though if I change supplier I may have more towards the debt, is there anything I can do?
    If your supplier is blocking you from switching supplier because of accrued debt, then they are blocking you.

    If you want to switch supplier, then you will have to repay the debt that is causing the block.
    Can you borrow the necessary money from elsewhere if switching is that advantagous for you?

    If not, do ensure you are on the best tariff from your current supplier, and put those savings achieved to paying off the debt possibly even sooner :)

    Be aware that if you have got into difficulties with a credit meter previously, then any new supplier may insist on a security deposit upfront (which presumabl;y you cannot afford) if they will accept you at all.

    Perhaps consider posting on the Debt Free Wannabe board for more ideas on how to pay off your debts sooner.
  • MakeAChange_2
    MakeAChange_2 Posts: 102 Forumite
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    Hi and thank you,

    Yes they will not let me move yet, I have paid all my debt's on household bills and the gas and elec are the last two household bills to bring up to date. I have real trouble understanding the best deal for us and they are not allowed to tell me are they? Everything I ask if I'm on the best deal for us I don't get an actual answer! I'm still trying to figure it out as have learning difficulties, but I'm getting there with it. Iv even asked them to send someone out to me to explain it all but they won't.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 1,655 Forumite
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    @MakeAChange
    Perhaps you should have a chat with your local Citizens Advice Bureau about this issue and also about debt management too rather than going solo on this. You have been paying down your debts but might benefit from their help and expertise. Having another pair of eyes look at things in detail might be a good thing.
  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,098 Forumite
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    edited 6 May 2017 at 3:30PM
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    State what tariff you are currently on with SSE and someone will easily tell you if that is the cheapest deal with them. It's shown on your bills.
    Clue: if you are on Standard Variable, that is usually the most expensive.
    M&S Energy may be a possible option for you, as it's a branded product run by SSE, so I'd imagine that would be seen as an internal switch only.
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
  • phillw
    phillw Posts: 5,594 Forumite
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    MakeAChange wrote: »
    I have real trouble understanding the best deal for us and they are not allowed to tell me are they?

    They are required to tell you if they have a better tariff available.

    I think it's hidden somewhere on the bill.
  • MakeAChange_2
    MakeAChange_2 Posts: 102 Forumite
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    I have asked them loads of times and all they say is "we are not allowed to tell you which is best for you but can give details on each one"

    This is fine, unless you have learning difficulties like me and it all becomes too much and confusing! I will look again on my bills and see if I can find more info, at least if I can't switch yet I just want to know I'm not on the worst tariff making it worse. Iv also emailed and asked for energy usage tracking machine thingy so I can monitor my usage , but I've not had a reply.
  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,098 Forumite
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    All you need to do is tell us the name of your tariff.It will be on every bill or statement you receive.
    You already have 2 devices that can track your usage: your existing meters.
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
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