No electricity due to HUGE debt

JohanDij

Hello
A family member is in a big mess and even though I'm trying to help, I've never been in this situation myself and find what it feels a lot of closed doors!

Situation:
A family member used to live with her husband, both children (a young child and an older one who also had his own partner and son) and a brother in a 4 bedroom house.

A while ago, the brother moved out and so did the older son (with his partner and son). This was also when the husband cheated on her and left as well.

This lady stayed alone with a baby who is not even 2 years old.

To her suprise/shock/horror she received a bill of almost 7k :eek: (electricity)

They had been living at this address for the last 2 years and no one had ever taken any meter reading so there is no way to know what was the original reading when they moved.
The husband was responsible for the payment of bills and now wants nothing to do with it as the electrics are in the wifes name.

The electricity was cut off 2 weeks ago which leaves this lady and her son in a pretty bad situation seeing that everything in the property is electric, even the stove. Nothing is gas.

This means no warm food, no warm milk, no warm baths, no warmth at all or lights.

I called everyone I could think and managed to at least get her an appointment with the benefits agency so she starts receiving income support as a lone parent.

But the local council says they cannot help with rehoming because she is not homeless.

What can she do to at least get electricity back? She has no savings and if she has food is because we are helping her.

What can she do? Thank you,



Johan

Lula-Hula

Hi,

I'm not absolutely sure, but I believe that if a child is under a certain age then electricity is considered to be essential for health & would have to be restored. Proof of when the residency started may help to sort out the exact amount owed & then perhaps a payment plan could be agreed. I would suggest contacting the citizens advice bureau or social service office for further advice & help.

SimIsOnTheUp

Good Morning Johan,

So sorry to hear about the trouble your relative is in.

I think Lula-Hula is right, in that as their is a child at the property, the Electric company would class them as 'vulnerable' customers and would have to install a Prepayment Meter for the Electric before disconnecting.

I would recommend you all go to the CAB. They will be able to speak to the Electric supplier on her behalf and hopefully get her reconnected asap.

As for the debt, it could be an error. Again the CAB will be able to check this with them. Make sure you take any paperwork with you.

Perhaps the Welfare Rights office at her local Council would be worth speaking to also.

Good Luck.

All the best to you all.

Sim.

sammy115

If you go to the https://www.turn2us.co.uk website there is a section about grants that exist - usually through energy suppliers strangely enough - for people in vulnerable situations.