Helping Mum find the best utilities deal !!

Aphidman

Hi,
My Mum lives very far away from me. Dad died back in April 2011 and Mum has been quite independent. However, more recently it has become apparent that she isn't as well as she could be, particularly when it comes to looking after money (possible early dementia but not diagnosed, she may just be getting old!!).

She has asked me to investigate all her domestic suppliers as she thinks she isn't on the best deals. She appears to be spending money more quickly than she likes. She has sent me some information by email. My question, would the utility companies speak to me about her account or would I need some form of power of attorney? Although she is still generally healthy and wants my help as her son.

Thanks

dogshome

To manage your mothers Utility accounts on her behalf, she needs to send them a letter advising them you have the authority to act for her.
All bit of a pain, but the Utility Co's have to operate within the data protection rules

It may be that Mum is already on an 'Online' billing account, or that her present tariff has that option - It's well worth being on one as not only is it usually cheaper, but if you know the passwords you access all the bills and monitor the account, no matter how far away you live from your Mum

Aphidman

Thanks for your advice. Good idea with the online billing account.

t0rt0ise

Use one of the comparison sites, I use uSwitch but there are others, and find the best deal for her. If you have her bank details and so on then you can do it all for her over the internet so no need to speak to her suppliers.

good_advice

Could your mum just phone and have your name put on the account as an authorised person? I am on many accounts for family. I phone when the person is there , so a bit diffrent. I have to pass the phone for the person to say it is ok and get put on the system.

Wywth

Aphidman wrote: »

Hi,
My Mum lives very far away from me. Dad died back in April 2011 and Mum has been quite independent. However, more recently it has become apparent that she isn't as well as she could be, particularly when it comes to looking after money (possible early dementia but not diagnosed, she may just be getting old!!).

She has asked me to investigate all her domestic suppliers as she thinks she isn't on the best deals. She appears to be spending money more quickly than she likes. She has sent me some information by email. My question, would the utility companies speak to me about her account or would I need some form of power of attorney? Although she is still generally healthy and wants my help as her son.

Thanks

You can certainly help your mum out by doing the legwork.
Once you think you know the best deal(s) for her, why not give her all the info and then she can arrange it herself? Simples :cool:

If you start having your name on the bill, you could incurr all sorts of issues. e.g. you would be jointly & severally liable for all the bills, you would be financially associated with each other (which could affect either of your credit status), etc.

James_Lahey

I changed to firstutility about a month ago - they were one of the best then. £40 cashback through TCB swung it for them (they are now my suppliers and the cashback has tracked.)

Wywth

James_Lahey wrote: »

I changed to firstutility about a month ago - they were one of the best then. £40 cashback through TCB swung it for them (they are now my suppliers and the cashback has tracked.)

Good for you! :T

How did you decide? Hopefully you followed the MSE advice
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/you-switch-gas-electricity

Everyone needs to do this for themselves as the 'best' deal varies by region and consumption.

James_Lahey

I did look at the MSE advice and originally got a quote from moneysupermarket as suggested (who now have the same owners as MSE I believe?)

They had pretty much identical prices/suppliers as topcashback but a tenner less cashback. It's a pity we can no longer rely on MSE being an impartial voice pointing out the best deals.

I'd suggest anyone shopping for the best deal does not rely solely on the guides - especially the ones that point to moneysupermarket. Please check the other cashback/comparison sites before signing up to anything!

macman

As above, no real need to have a POA registered on each utility account. if you set up an online account for each you can simply register it to your own email address (with her agreement of course) and then administer it online.
I have a POA for my mother, but the main bank account is the only one I had to formally use the POA on. I have set up her gas, electricity, water, and phone up online without need of a POA.