Disabled rights - pre paid meter

bengasman

Nothing special needs to be done here, just a matter of paying in time to stop credit running out. Topup points are all over the place, not to mention online and telephone payment options. She is an adult, let her act in a mature way.

Airmike23

If elec is prepay meter, contact eon, under vunerable customer guidelines there is a chance they will do the exchange for free, as long as the meter was not installed at her property due to her elec debt already built up with eon. She will have to pay by monthly direct debit, but there is no credit check or charge for the meter exchange if her circumstances mean that as a customer she would fall under the vunerable guidelines eon set out. Also if not already done so, get her to go on Eon's website or call eon for the warm home discount before 31-1-12. it is £120 credit for those in receipt of certain benefits, the eon website tells you which benefits ensure eligibility.

tinkle

Disabled rights - pre paid meter

I imagine your friend has exactly the same rights as an 'able' bodied person.

hpsaucey

Have you tried any of the Energy Trust schemes put in place to help vunarable/low income etc to help with arrears. Southern electric does one called Homewarm and gives qualifying people £120 towards electric bills.
The best thing to do is google Energy Trust schemes I now SSE and Eon do it. you can apply online and it gives funds for "white goods" and arrears which are not tenants fault ie prepayment meter incorrect charges etc., you dont get the money in hand but put onto your key/card etc., hope this helps

newbie2010

tinkle wrote: »

Disabled rights - pre paid meter

I imagine your friend has exactly the same rights as an 'able' bodied person.

Is there really a need for posts like this? I am enquiring as she was put on a pre-paid meter due to an error on SE's part not due to her failing to pay. In my opinion it seemed wrong for her to be punished for no wrong doing.

Thank you to those that suggested the £120 scheme. She has signed up for that.

Richie-from-the-Boro

newbie2010 wrote: »

Is there really a need for posts like this? I am enquiring as she was put on a pre-paid meter due to an error on SE's part not due to her failing to pay. In my opinion it seemed wrong for her to be punished for no wrong doing.

Thank you to those that suggested the £120 scheme. She has signed up for that.

Assuming it was indeed a Southern Electric mistake that led to the mandatory pre-paid, get your friend to contact the Ombudsman immediately, in writing. Her complaint will almost certainly be upheld and compensation awarded.

chanz4

Richie-from-the-Boro wrote: »

Assuming it was indeed a Southern Electric mistake that led to the mandatory pre-paid, get your friend to contact the Ombudsman immediately, in writing. Her complaint will almost certainly be upheld and compensation awarded.

Afraid not, the Ombudsman cant rule on payment methods or payment plans

Richie-from-the-Boro

chanz4 wrote: »

Afraid not, the Ombudsman cant rule on payment methods or payment plans

Don't agree my friend. If, and its a big if .. .. the pre-paid was imposed by Southern Electric as a result of a mistake on the part of Southern Electric evidence of the mistake can easily be made available and it can be ruled on and rectified.

I said a big if. Taking the O/P at face value we and himself only have the word of his nice lady friend [STRIKE][see previous threads][/STRIKE] who lives 2 hours away for the claim it was (1) SE's fault, and the good lady (2) did nothing whatsoever to deserve the pre-paid being imposed on her.

chanz4

I have worked the industry for years, a supplier can dictate there payment terms. No regulator can force them to provide credit. Two reasons why people get pre-pays forced on them, debt and theft.

Richie-from-the-Boro

chanz4 wrote: »

I have worked the industry for years, a supplier can dictate there payment terms. No regulator can force them to provide credit. Two reasons why people get pre-pays forced on them, debt and theft.

- I'm not in disagreement with you my friend .. .. that's why, along with a big grin, I said :- [STRIKE]see previous threads[/STRIKE]
- but should have written :- [STRIKE]see previous posts[/STRIKE]