BCW turned up on my doorstep :(

kessik

This morning at 8:15 a woman from BCW turned up on my doorstep. We'd not had any letters from them previously. It was regarding our outstanding EDF gas bill (not in dispute, just overdue). She wanted the full amount of £418 or offered to have a key meter put in. I told her that I get paid tomorrow, which is true. But I can't just find that sort of money out of my wages in one go and although she frightened me and made me feel really ashamed, how realistic is what she said about us having to have the key meter or being disconnected? She also left a letter that reiterates what she said about warrants, disconnection etc. My 22 year old son answered the door and heard the whole conversation and I feel totally humiliated. I should say I can probably pay £300 tomorrow directly to EDF but it will leave me pretty short. Sorry if this is small fry compared to some others, and self-inflicted.

harveybobbles

Next time they turn up at the door, tell them to do one! Only a Copper acting under oath, a postie and someone lost looking for directions are allowed at your door.

I'm guessing its been overdue for a while if BCW have been passed it?

DS4215

How overdue is the bill? Can you contact them and arrange a repayment plan that leaves you with enough money to live and pays the arrears within a sensible amount of time?

rizla_king

kessik wrote: »

But I can't just find that sort of money out of my wages in one go and although she frightened me and made me feel really ashamed, how realistic is what she said about us having to have the key meter or being disconnected?

They can insist on changing the meter and can apply for a warrant of entry to your property to do so if you refuse.

If you can pay part of it off soon it may not come to that.

read this

http://www.edfenergy.com/products-services/for-your-home/documents/paying-energy-bills.pdf

Johnny_Chaos

harveybobbles wrote: »

Next time they turn up at the door, tell them to do one! Only a Copper acting under oath, a postie and someone lost looking for directions are allowed at your door.

I'll second that. If you have a spyholes, or there's a window where you can have a quick look out before answering the door, then always check. If it's someone you don't recognise, and they're not wearing a postal or police worker's outfit, then ignore them.

I know it's difficult though when there are several people living in the house. But if you're caught out, just politely say that you do not discuss anything personal with a stranger and close the door.

kessik

harveybobbles wrote: »

Next time they turn up at the door, tell them to do one! Only a Copper acting under oath, a postie and someone lost looking for directions are allowed at your door.

I'm guessing its been overdue for a while if BCW have been passed it?

It's actually from June, so last month, which is why I was shocked.

fevlo

My advice would be to call EDF and set up a realistic payment plan. Make sure it is one you can afford.
Its in their intrest to help you pay the debt down and you dont want to commit to an amount you cant afford.
If £300 tomorrow would leave you short then you cant afford it.
Im sure it will be a weight lifted when you call them and get a plan set up.

In the meantime, if anyone comes back again just tell them that you wont discuss your financail matters on the doorstep and close the door.

Johnny_Chaos

kessik wrote: »

It's actually from June, so last month, which is why I was shocked.

I must admit I start getting rude phone calls from British Gas's Indian call centre if I'm a week or two late. I just hang up on them and pay it in my own time.

Gettingtherequickly

It sounds as if they are all getting stroppy with regard payment. Had a recent issue at work with E.on which was a nightmare trying to sort. Got a phone call chasing payment for bill, literally 5 mins after getting it in the post! By the time it had been authorised for payment and paid (within a week) had received more bills. Ended up really confused, got another phone call on the Monday, again chasing payment, explained I couldn't understand what was going on, only to be told they had changed our billing from quarterly to monthly, but hadn't told us. Girl on phone was very helpful, put her on hold while I read the meters and she said I she would email me the bill, probably be the next day, which duly happened. 9am Wednesday got a call chasing it, ended up having to apologise to the girl making the call as I went into one. We have now moved supplier!

sourcrates

Is everyone feeling the pinch at the moment ?
Theres energy companies kicking in doors cause a bills a month overdue, another poster on a different thread been taken to court for £200.
The worlds gone mad !!!

harveybobbles

EDF are one of the worse companies out there. Phone them and set a payment plan up of £30 per month.