Utility companies don't 'allow' you to move home?

darbooka

Recently I had been on a monthly repayment plan with one the most established Gass & Elec suppliers and the accounts had been in good standing consistently; but upon moving home the supplier unilaterally demanded full payment for the full amount. Can they in that way prevent someone from completing the monthly payments?
I was never told of, and never agreed to, any such situation in which a mere change of address would render the repayment plan to be discontinued; and, in any event, moving home doesn't in itself indicate any preference or change in ability to pay off the account in full in one go.
Any thoughts on this?

Cantona_2

if the accounts have as you say 'been in good standing consistently', how come they are asking for you to settle the account before you move? You must owe them something?

darbooka

Cantona, the situation is that the accounts have been repaid every month as agreed but the house move took place before the repayments were completed and the account was cleared; in other words, the house move occured during the period in which the repayments were continuing to be made.

cattie

When you move an account is not transferable. A final bill is always sent by utility companies when the customer changes address & a brand new account has to be set up at the new address.

You would need to make a new application for a montly budget plan at your new home.

darbooka

Thanks cattie,
Your insight is helpful and I will check if it applies; however, what if as a renting tenant in a different region the new home has a different supplier? In that case can they still set up a new account for repayments?

Zannie

I have heard of situations like this. They can come about because the "Property" not the owner has prviously been in arrears. Remember you can shop around for suppliers - Personally I keep coming back to Atlantic because their customer service has been excellent for me.