Prepayment meters - debt repayment

ggtth

I am behind on my Gas & Elec so British Gas want to install prepayment meters. I understand that they will set a debt repayment amount.

Does anyone know how much this will be? Is there a minimum by law? I am currently on income based Job Seekers Allowance. I get approx £53 JSA per week. I am not looking forward to the cold Scottish weather.

I am worried that the will set the repayment too high or they will increase it once they are installed. Is there a minimum amount? Will repayment amounts would be doubled also as there is both gas and elec? Or would they take one repayment for both and divide it over the two?

Thanks.

undaunted

They should consider affordability but I wouldn't rely upon it personally.

Given your circumstances Fuel Direct may be a better option for you - advantages include the facts thast

it doesn't later cost you to have the meter removed again

The supply wont ever go off as it could with PPM if you can't afford to top up your meter for a day or so

The payment is fixed by the DWP not BG and will be sent direct out fo your benefits. See here for more information http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/ManagingDebt/DebtsAndArrears/DG_10025592

ggtth

undaunted wrote: »

They should consider affordability but I wouldn't rely upon it personally.

Given your circumstances Fuel Direct may be a better option for you - advantages include the facts thast

it doesn't later cost you to have the meter removed again

The supply wont ever go off as it could with PPM if you can't afford to top up your meter for a day or so

The payment is fixed by the DWP not BG and will be sent direct out fo your benefits. See here for more information http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/ManagingDebt/DebtsAndArrears/DG_10025592

Thanks for the advice. I phoned up British Gas and they have agreed to Fuel Direct.

They will take the following amounts each week to cover debt and usage:

Gas - £8.10
Elec - £8.90

Total each week for debt repayment and usage £17