Switching Providers If You Owe Them Money

GRIPPERGRIFF

Having taken Martin's advice I am switching to a capped rate for my gas and electricity. I am trying to move from EDF to E-on. However it turns out that I am in advance with my electricity only £30 but owe £506.00 to EDF for my gas. They will not let me switch until it is paid off. My problem is that I cant afford to pay it off right away but I cant afford not to switch as if prices go up as forcast I will not be able to cope. I am a lone parent working part-time and have 2 children aged 11 and 8 and receive tax credits. EDF say I must pay them £85.00 per month until the debt is paid off. (This is based on average usage of £53.00 per month plus 33.00 to pay off the arrears). So by the time I have paid it off the cost of the gas will be so high I will be getting into more debt with them. Does anyone have any advice. Please note this is the first time I have used a forum so I hope I am using it correctly.

Rummer

Hello

I am in a similar position and wondered if it would be better to cap with my current supplier or if I should pay the debt off with a credit card and move to a different capped provider. Not sure what to do for the best.

GRIPPERGRIFF

Thanks for replying Alphie25.
It feels better knowing I am not the only one in this situation. I have been told via the Christians Against Poverty Charity that I should apply to my 'woud be supplier' again so that EDF refuse again and I may have to do this one more time and EDF will have to release me. I could then pay EDF off as a secondary debt at a more managable rate. I am going to look in to this and will post my findings asap.

GRIPPERGRIFF

Have made enquiries with E-on about my position. They have advised me that I will have to settle my bill with EDF but as soon as I do so they will provide me with the capped tariff that I had applied for even if it takes a few months for me to clear it. I just have to ring them when I have cleared the debt. As I do not have a credit card or overdraft facility, I think I am going to have to ask the family to lend me the money so that I can pay EDF off now as they have already increased their prices.