First Utility Threatening Disconnection

mrsvanderkamp_2

Hello, I hope this is posted in the right place - if not please redirect me.

We had a supply with FU but left them because of their ever increasing standing charges (were were getting bills of over a £130 during the summer - mostly made up of standing charges not actual usage!) We have a balance owing to them of around £300 which we do intend to pay, but money is pretty tight right now. Today I had a letter pushed through the door to say that if we don't pay in 7 days (we can't) then they will apply for an order to disconnect us? My question is can they actually do this on the basis that are no longer supplying us? Common sense tells me that they can't but I'd like to have my facts straight when I call them. I'm very grateful for any help or advice.

Thankyou

HappyMJ

It's just a template letter they cannot disconnect you if they no longer supply you. The worst they can do now is take you to court to get a CCJ and for that amount it is unlikely.

mrsvanderkamp_2

HappyMJ wrote: »

It's just a template letter they cannot disconnect you if they no longer supply you. The worst they can do now is take you to court to get a CCJ and for that amount it is unlikely.

Thankyou. I will ring them and see if we can arrange a payment plan with them.

jalexa

HappyMJ wrote: »

It's just a template letter they cannot disconnect you if they no longer supply you.

Not lawfully, but what if they utter that claim in court?

mrsvanderkamp_2

jalexa wrote: »

Not lawfully, but what if they utter that claim in court?

How do you mean?

jalexa

mrsvanderkamp wrote: »

How do you mean?

If they go in front of a magistrate and (falsely) utter "as true" what was said in the letter, they may get their warrant.

deshepherd

Are you totally certain you've switched suppliers .... I thought an exisitng supplier was able to block a switch if you had an outstanding balance of this sort of amount.

HappyMJ

deshepherd wrote: »

Are you totally certain you've switched suppliers .... I thought an exisitng supplier was able to block a switch if you had an outstanding balance of this sort of amount.

It's probably a final bill generated after the switch was approved.

mrsvanderkamp_2

jalexa wrote: »

If they go in front of a magistratre and (falsely) utter "as true" what was said in the letter, they may get their warrant.

You mean if they tell the judge that they have warned me about disconnection and that as I havent complied they are within their rights to apply for a warrant? Even though they don't supply the energy anymore?

mrsvanderkamp_2

deshepherd wrote: »

Are you totally certain you've switched suppliers .... I thought an exisitng supplier was able to block a switch if you had an outstanding balance of this sort of amount.

Yes, definately switched and it's the final bill total.

jalexa

mrsvanderkamp wrote: »

You mean if they tell the judge that they have warned me about disconnection and that as I havent complied they are within their rights to apply for a warrant?

That's not what I said. What I said was "if they go in front of a magistrate and (falsely) utter "as true" what was said in the letter, they may get their warrant". I have emphasised the important word.

However, if they did that they would have behaved unlawfully.

What I am trying to say is do not discount the *possibility* of unintended incompetence by the supplier.