changing suppliers when in debt.

punkstoner

is this possible?

we owe edf around 600 for gas and electricity. They have written threatening to break in and install prepayment meters.

Is it possible to start again with a new supplier, and pay edf off monthly, or do they not let you move suppliers until the bill is paid??

thanks

ALIBOBSY

As I understand it your old supplier won't release you until the account is cleared.
sorry
ali x

punkstoner

thanks ali x

mmm. i figured that maybe the case.

Its currently in my partners name. Could I open an account with another company in my name, and tell edf that she has left?

Vestra

Nope, they will ask to see proof that she has moved out such as a tenancy agreement if it is rented. Don't avoid the debt try and get it paid off.

punkstoner

cheers ryan

obviously we want to sort it out, but they will not let mrs punkstoner increase the direct debit, they want the whole amount, which will be difficult, if not impossible.

it does not help when neither of us understand gas / electricity bills or tarriffs.

We aint thick by a long way, but its so confusing.

Cardew

punkstoner wrote: »

cheers ryan

obviously we want to sort it out, but they will not let mrs punkstoner increase the direct debit, they want the whole amount, which will be difficult, if not impossible.

it does not help when neither of us understand gas / electricity bills or tarriffs.

We aint thick by a long way, but its so confusing.

It would be most unusual that they won't let her increase the DD!

The normal position is that they will allow the debt to be paid back over the period of time it took for the debit balance to build up. If that was over a year, then it means you were paying £50 a month too little. Therefore you will have to pay an extra £100 a month plus a sum for the increase in their prices so possibly an extra £130 a month.

The last thing EDF want to do is get a court order, and have to forcibly fit repayment meters - which will be set to reclaim the debt in any case.

You can understand EDF(or any company) not letting you switch as they lose any hold over you and in many cases they would just whistle for their money. Some people would go to supplier to supplier leaving a trail of debts.

Incisor

punkstoner wrote: »

cheers ryan

obviously we want to sort it out, but they will not let mrs punkstoner increase the direct debit, they want the whole amount, which will be difficult, if not impossible.

So call their bluff. Offer them a cheque for £50 every month. Do it in writing and let them embarrass themselves by refusing. And if you mean to offer the money, start by sending them a cheque.

it does not help when neither of us understand gas / electricity bills or tarriffs.

We aint thick by a long way, but its so confusing.

Please don't be so wet. Post your questions here.

Vestra

punkstoner wrote: »

cheers ryan

obviously we want to sort it out, but they will not let mrs punkstoner increase the direct debit, they want the whole amount, which will be difficult, if not impossible.

it does not help when neither of us understand gas / electricity bills or tarriffs.

We aint thick by a long way, but its so confusing.

That's a bit unreasonable surely? I thought they would let you pay it off over a year.

punkstoner

mrs. punkstoner contacted edf by phone this morning. according to them they are in 'the process of going to court to either recover the debt or install prepayment meters'

according to them, our only options are to either pay the whole outstanding amount or agree to have prepayment meters installed.

they will not set up a direct debit to clear the debt, nor will they accept an increase in our current direct debits.

As such, what is the process when edf take you to court to get a warrant? does one get chance to appear before the court to give a defence or is a warrant for entry automatically granted?

why wont they accept a direct debit?

Cardew

punkstoner wrote: »

mrs. punkstoner contacted edf by phone this morning. according to them they are in 'the process of going to court to either recover the debt or install prepayment meters'

according to them, our only options are to either pay the whole outstanding amount or agree to have prepayment meters installed.

they will not set up a direct debit to clear the debt, nor will they accept an increase in our current direct debits.

As such, what is the process when edf take you to court to get a warrant? does one get chance to appear before the court to give a defence or is a warrant for entry automatically granted?

why wont they accept a direct debit?

It really is impossible for anyone to answer your question without knowing the full history of your relationship with EDF.

As stated above it really is most unusual for them not to increase a DD to recover the debt, as the costs to go to court and fit meters is high.

Without knowing the facts I would surmise that this is an ongoing saga and EDF have simply lost patience.

Surely they have handed your case to a Debt Collection Agency who have contacted you?

You also state "but they will not let mrs punkstoner increase the direct debit"

That also seems strange! The customer doesn't increase the DD, EDF take that action; and would normally have increased it to reduce the debt - it is standard practice.

Have any of your DD payments not been paid because of lack of funds?

Sorry to be cynical, but I can't help feeling we are not aware of all the facts.

However, if the story is exactly as you state i.e. no history of debts etc, then go to court and explain your case and EDF will get roasted!!