Just received a bill from 2 years ago - do I have to pay it?!

staggered

I've just received an £80.75 bill from Powergen for electricity used in 2004.

I no longer live at that address (I only lived there 5 months). I've had no previous letters from Powergen saying that I owe them anything. This has come right out of the blue.

I've had a look and it seems that the bill might be right - I've no record of paying an electricity bill at that address. But, surely, Powergen should have sent me a bill before now? Especially since I'm already a customer of their's at my new address (but not for much longer ...)?

Bit of a long shot, but is there anything that says that bills have to be received within a certain amount of time for them to be legally enforceable? I'll struggle to pay this bill as I'm on Income Support!

Midas

As this is your debt then you can be 'forced' legally to pay it back. IMHO your best course of action would be to explain to Powergen that you acknowlege that you owe them the money but due to your limited income will need to pay it back over a period of time, e.g. a few pounds a week. I suspect that they'll agree to this rather than go through the hassle of pursuing you with legal action.

Gal

They will spread the cost of the bill for you.

Sand_Man_2

i think the law says that they can only back date bills upto 2 years. therefore, if 2 years have passed, you may not have to pay it. however, if the bill arrived within 2 years (even if just by one day) you may be liable

Cardew

Sand_Man wrote:

i think the law says that they can only back date bills upto 2 years. therefore, if 2 years have passed, you may not have to pay it. however, if the bill arrived within 2 years (even if just by one day) you may be liable

I don't think it is when the bill arrived, but when it was produced. Otherwise you could 'avoid' ever having a bill delivered to you if you have changed address.

However if you were in a place for 5 months, received the gas/electricity, moved and didn't pay for it, perhaps you might feel that you do owe the money?

Sand_Man_2

Cardew wrote:

I don't think it is when the bill arrived, but when it was produced. Otherwise you could 'avoid' ever having a bill delivered to you if you have changed address.

However if you were in a place for 5 months, received the gas/electricity, moved and didn't pay for it, perhaps you might feel that you do owe the money?

Sorry, i think i meant to say when it was produced. i think i just worded it slightly wrong