How long do utility suppliers have to provide a final bill?

Kirsty_Lou

I switched from British Gas over a year ago to iSupply, and have now switched to First Utility. I didn't ever receive a final bill from British Gas, I haven't moved and BG haven't made any attempts to contact me since I left them. I recently checked my credit report and found that my BG account is shown as still active, and £187 in debt. It hasn't been marked as a default or a missed payment or anything, it's just sat there. My question is, how long after leaving do utility companies have to provide a final bill? Can I be pursued for this still? And what do I do about getting the account shut so it's not lingering on my credit file forever more?

Bubblebath

Kirsty_Lou wrote: »

I switched from British Gas over a year ago to iSupply, and have now switched to First Utility. I didn't ever receive a final bill from British Gas, I haven't moved and BG haven't made any attempts to contact me since I left them. I recently checked my credit report and found that my BG account is shown as still active, and £187 in debt. It hasn't been marked as a default or a missed payment or anything, it's just sat there. My question is, how long after leaving do utility companies have to provide a final bill? Can I be pursued for this still? And what do I do about getting the account shut so it's not lingering on my credit file forever more?

Why don't you ask the supplier for a final bill? Perhaps you could arrange to pay the £187 you owe at the same time?

They have up to 6 years to bill you, unless the voluntary 12 month back billing procedure applies. They also have 6 years to legally enforce the debt.

(It's 5 years rather than 6 in Scotland)