Scottish Power won't write off my debt!

mandy_moo_1

Hi.
I was declared bankrupt last Feb, and I've recently received my discharge letter.
Only thing is, Scottish Power are refusing to acknowledge my bankruptcy,and won't write off the debt to them. All the other utility companies did,and i was able to start with a clean slate, but Scot Power won't take any notice.

The Official Receiver who's been dealing with everything for me has written to them 5 or 6 times now, but all I keep getting are letters off them saying they're gonna cut my gas and electric off if I don't pay them the full amount within 28days.

I'm a single parent on IS so i would never have the money anyway,plus the OR has said not to pay them a penny off this debt as it would be looked upon as preferential payment.....I just don't know what to do, I can't sleep for worrying about it. I thought once the bankruptcy went thru, it'd feel like a weight had been lifted...and it did until bl**dy Scottish Power started sending me threatening letters.

btw, YES i have telephoned,written,emailed them, but all my correspondence is just getting ignored. Can anyone help.....please?

loubie_lou

Do the letters you recieve look automated?

mandy_moo_1

I suppose they do,yes. I've sent them all to the OR dealing with it for me, but all she keeps saying is 'dont worry...they can't cut you off cos you went bankrupt'.....alrite for her to say this, but how do you explain to 2 children that 'the lights and heating have gone off, but don't worry, Scottish Power are in the wrong, and it'll be sorted out soon'. I am absolutely worried sick that they're not gonna accept my bankruptcy and WILL cut me off.
btw, I've ALWAYS paid them £16 a wk on a payment card for the gas & electric...never missed a payment since the bankruptcy...should i still carry on paying this, cos even if they finally decide to write the debt off, i need to keep my bills down for when the next one comes, if you see what i mean

mom23

Mandy moo i am not an expert on this (although i have been through bankruptcy0 but i would not worry, they will not cut off your power in any case,as you have children!!

THE_LONE_RANGER_4

telephone them again,explain and say you want the answear to your concerns before ringing off, keep asking to speak to some one in authority not just a call centre operator if that fails go to a solicitor ask him to send a letter direct to them it would be worth his fee ,also contact the power regulator all the best andrew

Kevicho

Cant you switch suppliers?

mandy_moo_1

Mom23, are you absolutely sure they won't just cut me off? They only know i'v got children cos i'v told them over the phone.....the way things are going, cos they keep ignoring all my correspondence,i'm frightened i'll just get up one morning to find everything in darkness, and its freezing cold ( and no,not cos i get up @ 5am!) God I'm surprised i can still find humour in this!!

I've thought about switching suppliers, but i think they'll just keep chasing me until they get some money off me,so that wouldn't work....i only went with Scottish Power in the first place cos they were the cheapest!

The woman at the OR's office told me that they always have trouble with all the gas/electric people, not that that made me feel any better!

I've been doing SO well as well, with my budgeting ( I'm always getting tips off the 'Saving Money Old Style' thread!!) but when i've got awkward sods like these on my back, it's so disheartening and worrying

mom23

Hi mandy
can you not ring the cab or the OR Just to clarify this and put your mind at rest.

robertbruce

HI
Sorry to hear about the problem as it really does get to you when no-one listens in these large operations.
The definite thing is YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT. All debts up to the date of bankruptcy are now under the authority of the AIB (Accountant in Bankruptcy in Scotland) or OR (Official Receiver in England).
The hard part is getting someone to listen to your point and then have the position of authority to do something about it.
In Glasgow, I discovered that there is ONE MAN who actually does this and I will find his name and number for you. (Colin Young, I think, who manages the sequestrations department).
Once you speak to him, it will be fixed. Anyone else will simply quote you rules and put you round the system again.
As a final move, Colin Young (name to be confirmed) will probably put you on a prepayment meter for your power. All I can say is it's the best thing I ever did, as I only use the power I pay for now instead of having a bill to pay. I know that others will tell you there is cheaper power to be found, but getting the discipline right first is better for you, and you can change back in a year or two when circumstances improve.
Keep in contact with Scottish Power and try to find this elusive and unadvertised manager who will keep things right for you. Always have a notepad handy and right down what happens on every call, who you spoke to and when. It helps in future discussions when you can quote the same information which they have on a screen in front of them.
I hope to find this name and number for you within 24 hours, so keep your chin up.
Regards. Bob.

mandy_moo_1

Hi Mum23. I've phoned the OR loads of times and she just keeps saying not to worry and that they can't cut me off, but that's a fat lot of good once its done isnt it!!
Thanks Bob for your advice. I DO feel like i'm banging my head against a brick wall at the moment! That would be great if you could find that bloke's name/number...i'll see if he can do anything about it.

Also, how should i go about going onto a pre-pay meter thing? Should i still go thru Scottish Power for one, or sum1 else? And do they make a charge for installing them? The house I'm in is privately rented so would i need the landlord's permission for a meter to be put in? Do you find this works better for you? I've been paying £8 p/wk for gas and £8 p/wk for electric....do you reckon it'd be less on a meter?
Thanks for all your help again

mom23

Hi mandy i think you'll find if i remember correctly (although it was about 14yrs ago)when we went br we were in rented acc and although we were not in arrears with gas/electric they automatically put a meter in!!