British Gas Business Electricity Warrant

roscow_2

Hi,

I currently run my business from business premises as a sole trader. I have outstanding debt with British Gas for my Electricity Supply. I have received a letter from a third party company stating that they will be applying for a warrant on the 13th March 2013 to cut off the supply. I have been debating whether to leave the premises anyway and work from home to save costs and wondered if I leave the premises prior to the warrant date and inform British Gas that I have left would they still pursue the warrant and cut off the supply? I don't want to cause any trouble for my landlord as he has been very good to me, so don't want to cause any problems for him after I have left. I'm also looking at entering and IVA so would include the British Gas debt in that IVA should I leave the premises. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Wywth

roscow wrote: »

Hi,

I currently run my business from business premises as a sole trader. I have outstanding debt with British Gas for my Electricity Supply. I have received a letter from a third party company stating that they will be applying for a warrant on the 13th March 2013 to cut off the supply. I have been debating whether to leave the premises anyway and work from home to save costs and wondered if I leave the premises prior to the warrant date and inform British Gas that I have left would they still pursue the warrant and cut off the supply? I don't want to cause any trouble for my landlord as he has been very good to me, so don't want to cause any problems for him after I have left. I'm also looking at entering and IVA so would include the British Gas debt in that IVA should I leave the premises. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Yeah, that'll be fine. British Gas won't bother you over the gas you used and never paid for.

Landlord won't care that you give the keys back leaving him with no income either.

macman

There would be little purpose in pursuing the warrant once they had verified that you had vacated the premises. However they will most certainly pursue you for the debt in your capacity as a sole trader, as you remain personally liable, whether you cease trading or not.

roscow_2

Hi macman,

Thanks for the reply. Yes I completely understand that they will pursue me for the balance. I'm hoping to get an IVA set up and include this debt within the IVA. I'm really wanting someone to confirm that I won't be leaving a mess behind me for my landlord should I move out before the warrant date & inform British Gas.

Thanks

macman

If you close the account formally and leave a new address, I would imagine not. But you can then expect to be hassled at home by BG or their DCA.

MK55

they will probably also ask for proof you have moved out, i.e. tenancy ending

chris1973

I have been debating whether to leave the premises anyway and work from home to save costs

Sorry to be harsh, but in the cold light of day, if your business isn't generating enough income to pay its way in respect of covering even its most basic bills and expenses then you haven't got much of a business left.

Landlord won't care that you give the keys back leaving him with no income either.

I'm sure that the LL would much prefer that option, as opposed to having a tenant who drags it out to the point where they can't pay the rent and owes many months in arrears, which is probably going to eventually be the next step when energy bills aren't getting paid. Times are tough for everyone, Landlords included.

Fire_Fox

roscow wrote: »

Hi macman,

Thanks for the reply. Yes I completely understand that they will pursue me for the balance. I'm hoping to get an IVA set up and include this debt within the IVA. I'm really wanting someone to confirm that I won't be leaving a mess behind me for my landlord should I move out before the warrant date & inform British Gas.

Thanks

Ask/ negotiate with British Gas, not when the debt collector on commission rings to hassle you but actually man up and contact them. If you make monthly payments now you are far more likely not to cut you off. If you decide you can keep using power knowing other British Gas customers will have to pay for it they are more likely to cut off the supply.

chanz4

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Ask/ negotiate with British Gas, not when the debt collector on commission rings to hassle you but actually man up and contact them. If you make monthly payments now you are far more likely not to cut you off. If you decide you can keep using power knowing other British Gas customers will have to pay for it they are more likely to cut off the supply.

Business rules are different, and cut offs are more regular

DevCoder

If you are entering an IVA then there isn't much hope for your business as creditors can apply for a winding up order.

You need to ring BG and talk to them, how much are you in arrears for?