Help with warrant to gain access

davebeddo

Hello, since dec last year myself and partner have a rough time. With her losing her job and ill parents.↲↲To cut a long story short our electricity supplier is threatening to gain access and install prepayment meter.↲ ↲This would not be plausable for me as we are not able to gain access to the meter at will as we live in a block of apartments.↲↲I have offered to pay £120 per month but this has been refused.↲↲Am i able to put my case forward at the courts as i feel is very unfair?↲↲Also would it be possible to change supplier despite appears as am very unhappy with the company who have basically refused to help?

strawman

Hello
Just a couple of thoughts
If the meter is in i assume an intake cupboard
then they usually fit the key meter inside the property
and not where the old meter was

Also companies wont let customers switch from one supplier to another
with debts

As customers could just keep on swapping without ever paying one of them
So a company wont let a customer leave if they owe money

Carrot007

Hi,

It is not allowed for a prepayment meter to be fitted in a communal cupboard.

In such circumstances the prepayment meter is fitted in series with the existing meter but in your flat.

Regards,

cabbage

Hi

I would put your offer of payment in writing and send recorded delivery. I would send it with a financial statement showing how much you can afford. They still might refuse it though and a PPM might be inevitable.

Its unlikely you could change supplier but I have known it happen and the debt stays with the old company and is no longer classed as a priority as they can't cut you off then.

How much do you owe? How long have you not paid? Did you owe electricity before your partner lost her job? All these things will be taken into account by your supplier and if they think they will have trouble getting you to pay your bills, they can insist on a PPM or failing that will try to disconnect you. Then getting another supplier will be difficult and they too will probably insist on a Pre Payment Meter (PPM).

Sorry

Locknut

They can't fit a PPM if you dont have 24 hour access to top it up. Call the company agian and tell them this and re submit your offer. it they still refuse turn up in court and contest the warrant.

davebeddo

thanks all. Looks like I am stuck with pre pay meter which i thought would be. ↲The debt is quite big, mainly thanks to my former flat mate.↲I was just a bit concerned would not be able to monitor amount of money meter is eating. ↲Thanks again folks you have been more helpful than supplier.

markharding557

You may be able to negotiate the amount set on the meter depending on your circumstances.
get on the phone to arrange installation this will save you a lot in legal fees

dunloadin

It is not allowed for a prepayment meter to be fitted in a communal cupboard.

In such circumstances the prepayment meter is fitted in series with the existing meter but in your flat.

Not true, have fitted loads of pp meters in communal cupboards, as everyone should have access to their meters this is not a problem.

I occasionally have to go round with warrant officers to do their meter changes or disconnects, not a favourite part of my job. The majority of the jobs on their list tend to be resolved before it gets to the 'breaking the door down' stage.

davebeddo

the main problem is that i do not have regular access to meter. Access is gained via caretaker who lives off site.↲I am working 11 hour days and would not be able to monitor how much credit was left.↲When was told i would have to pay £500 before they would negotiate a monthly repayment, i asked if we could arrange for never to be fitted when i was told to wait for warrant to le served.

glider3560

Are your bills using actual readings? Just a thought, as if you can't access your meter then your supplier may be estimating your readings?

spiro

davebeddo wrote: »

.↲When was told i would have to pay £500 before they would negotiate a monthly repayment, i asked if we could arrange for never to be fitted when i was told to wait for warrant to le served.

Dont understand you last sentence. If you actively ask for a ppm to be fitted your supplier will not have to go to court. If they go to court it costs them money which will get added to your debt. Phone them and ask for a ppm to be fitted. Also speak to your caretaker and advise him you are going to need regular (once or twice a week) access to the meter.