Changing name on gas/elec bills

ronnie_2

My gran recently passed away so we are sorting out everything, I am remaining at the property address so will be keeping the utilities going.

Do I legally need to contact the utilities people to go through the hassles of changing the name of the householder, as I wonder if they will treat me like a new householder and perhaps increase the bills?

Plus she always simply paid via cash so theres no paper trail

Thoughts.

SwanJon

It would be a good idea to inform the supplier that you are now responsible for the bills. The only way the tariff would change is if she was on a fixed or special tariff.

spiro

I think you will find that suppliers have a team to deal with this as any outstanding bills will form part of your Grans 'estate'.

Magentasue

Agree with spiro - whoever is dealing with estate is responsible for informing relevant parties. Don't know, but it might be seen as identity fraud if you don't advise them.

anniecave

if she paid by cash then you may be able to get it cheaper by paying by direct debit?

Shouldn't be a problem, at worst they'll send out a final bill addressed to your gran and start you up with a new account and bills addressed to you? They may just change the name on the account but I wouldn't guess they will do that.

Definately tell them, what would be to happen if you had to move out of the property in the future, would you then phone up pretending to be her moving out but then give them a forwarding address for you? Not sensible!

Magentasue

anniecave wrote: »

They may just change the name on the account but I wouldn't guess they will do that.

No, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't. When my mother died, my brother took over the house but they wouldn't change the name. It has to be 'properly closed' so the credit or debit balance can go to the executors and a new account set up.