What happens when you can't afford to pay a bill?

millyaulait

What are the general things that your energy provider will tell you if you can't afford to pay a bill?

I have severe anxiety and can't call anyone at the moment to find out, so I thought I'd ask here..

Does anyone have any experience with calling up a provider and asking them for help? What do they offer? Split payments, etc..?

Any info at all is appreciated! I'm with the Hydro if that makes any difference.

Many thanks..

vroombroom

well the sooner you call them the better really.

I work within utilities and if people were struggling to pay, we'd set up installments that they could afford.

Worse case scenario eg if you don't call them/don't stick to any arrangement, they might fit a prepayment meter in for you with the debt loaded on it

macman

They'll want you to agree to increase your regular payments to recover the arrears over an agreed period, normally the period over which the arrears have built up in the first place.
If you break that agreement, they'll eventually want to fit a pre-payment meter and if necessary will apply for a warrant to do that.
The worst thing you can do is to ignore the bills and not discuss it with them.
If you are unable to use the phone you can contact them by email, post, or authorise someone else to discuss the account with them for you.

CharlieBilly

The longer you leave it the worse it may become. Can you not ring them and explain your condition or nominate someone who can. If there is any debt it will need to be paid for, the quicker you get it sorted the less debt if there is one. If you bury your head in the sand and just leave it they may well fit a prepayment meter in the long run that's assuming there is a debt and you do nothing about it

PNPSUKNET

email your supplier and explain, they will look to help

RuthnJasper

They would much rather help you than lose their money. Call them - it won't be as bad as you think. It will only get worse if you ignore it - take a deep breath, ring them and be honest. It'll be OK in the end.

Good luck. xx

Premier_2

millyaulait wrote: »

What are the general things that your energy provider will tell you if you can't afford to pay a bill?

They will hopefully help to educate you towards cutting your coat to suit your cloth.
That should help prevent the situation getting worse.
Then they will also try to negotiate with you an agreeable repayment plan to recover the money you already owe.

millyaulait wrote: »

I have severe anxiety and can't call anyone at the moment to find out, so I thought I'd ask here..

This is much more serious and you should seek immediate professional medical, and perhaps social, care over.

Perhaps it could also be arranged for them (or another appointed person) to take over the running of your affairs whilst you get on the road to recovery.

Get yourself fit & well first and allow someone else to take over your financial well being in the meantime.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

undaunted

Your local CAB, Community Legal Advice Centre, Consumer Credit Counselling Service may be able to help you with your bill / finances in general if you are in difficulties.

Perhaps this will also help address your anxiety over the matter, failing which it may be worth contacting your Doctor for help.

Good luck

Airmike23

also ask to be put on their cheapest tariff, wont do anything about the already outstanding balance but will help cost going forward

Fingerbobs

Anxiety is a horrible thing. I had a bout of it a couple of years ago. It's not just being nervous about phoning the gas company! It goes way beyond that and affects your whole existance while it lasts. But it DOES go away, and you DO completely recover from it :-)

Edit: I'm assuming the OP has already, but in case other anxiety sufferers read this, go and see your GP! He/she can make you feel much better just by talking about it :-)