can they cut me off?

myothercarisaferrari

I hate British Gas:mad::mad::mad:

They have just sent me a letter saying they will cut me off, force entry to my home and install a meter.

My bill is only about £140 for the gas, £120 for leccy. Called them up and explained I can't afford to repay it now (Paid £50 last week). The guy was really horrible and said I need to pay now.

Legally, what can they do? I can pay it at the end of this month but he wouldnt listen to me x

thanks x

Cardew

Yes they can get a warrant, force entry into your property(if you won't let them in) and install a pre-pay meter.

They can even cut off your gas and electricity altogether.

damoandclaire

depending how long this has been going on for they can't simply disconnect you willy nilly. For one, it will cost them to go to court and get the warrant and the court would want to see that they have taken every step possible to prevent it getting to this stage.

One thing I did when I was having problems with my suppliers (they happened to be british gas) was contact energywatch (apparently they're now consumer direct or something)

http://consumerdirect.gov.uk/
and
http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/en/content/cms/Energy_Help___Advice/Energy_Help___Advice.aspx

When I phoned them and explained the situation, they asked me who the provider was and then provided me with a unique reference. They then gave me the contact details of their high level complaints department. Gave them the reference i received and explained my problem.

They over rode the decision of the previous agent i spoke to and sorted out new payment scheme and everything for me.

Worth a shot.

HTH

myothercarisaferrari

damoandclaire wrote: »

depending how long this has been going on for they can't simply disconnect you willy nilly. For one, it will cost them to go to court and get the warrant and the court would want to see that they have taken every step possible to prevent it getting to this stage.

One thing I did when I was having problems with my suppliers (they happened to be british gas) was contact energywatch (apparently they're now consumer direct or something)

http://consumerdirect.gov.uk/
and
http://www.consumerfocus.org.uk/en/content/cms/Energy_Help___Advice/Energy_Help___Advice.aspx

When I phoned them and explained the situation, they asked me who the provider was and then provided me with a unique reference. They then gave me the contact details of their high level complaints department. Gave them the reference i received and explained my problem.

They over rode the decision of the previous agent i spoke to and sorted out new payment scheme and everything for me.

Worth a shot.

HTH

Thank you very much. Will call them tomorrow.

Its the bill from June :rolleyes:

Cardew

Certainly agree with the post above - this issue has been covered many times and cutting off supply is a last resort - although fitting a pre-payment meter happens frequently and when that runs out of money you are effectively cut off.

However the OP asked "Legally, what can they do?" and it is a fact that they can force entry(with a warrant) and fit a meter.

Locknut

Cardew wrote: »

Certainly agree with the post above - this issue has been covered many times and cutting off supply is a last resort - although fitting a pre-payment meter happens frequently and when that runs out of money you are effectively cut off.

However the OP asked "Legally, what can they do?" and it is a fact that they can force entry(with a warrant) and fit a meter.

Yes it is a fact using the "right of entry warrant" issued by the county court

BexTech

Jplocksmiths wrote: »

Yes it is a fact using the "right of entry warrant" issued by the county court

Yes, relative had this done, as they ignored 3 warning letters, they got home to find police tape around the door and note placed on it stating what had gone on and a pre-payment meter installed.

Joyful

The problem will be that your next bill should be with you by now or on route. As you had already received electricity used for the 3 prior months it became due when the bill came out. Did you contact BG within a couple of weeks of receiving it to advise you were having problems? If so options should have been available to you unless you had defaulted on any payment plans before. I think to not get a letter like this for 3 months is a long time. Legally BG follow the regulators instructions with the timing of letters, phone calls and visits so are not at fault in this process.

I would suggest seeing if you can borrow the money from family if possible as charges will be added to your account. After that when the latest bill arrives get it immediately on a payment plan. They will not allow this if any is outstanding from the previous bill. If you are really struggling accept the option of a prepayment meter.

Gerrard_8_lfc

I find it more than amazing with the people who hate BG who owe them money for gas and elec they have used.

I hate paying for bills but you have to would you hate the other supplier if they followed the same regulations set by ofgem ?

as joyful said another bill for the quarter will be on the way the aim for winter approaching is not to pay off your debit its to gain credit to help you over the winter months.

SwanJon

OP -good to see that you are taking control. Continue to pay what you can - even smaller amounts more often.
Be aware that if they do get a warrant etc, they will add the cost of this onto your bill - around £300 per fuel.

myothercarisaferrari

Gerrard, i am not disputing paying it. Its the first letter I have had, as I usually pay it online.

But on the letter it said if you are having difficulty paying it then phone and make an arrangement. Which I tried to do and had a barrage of abuse from the member of staff:rolleyes:

I want a prepayment meter but OH doesnt.