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Electricity Bill from old house

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Evening folks

We have recently recieved a letter from a debt collection agency regarding an unpaid electricity bill from the old house we lived in. We changed to a new provider 3 years ish ago and then moved into a new property 2 years ago.

I have contacted both the debt agency and supplier asking what the debt was for as when we changed supplier we were under the impression everything was in order and all paid up. The said this wasn't the case and that we owe £156 outstanding debt. I have asked to provide details of proof they tried to contact us and the meter readings to back their claim up. They sent a list with our old telephone number and old mobile numbers. They said they weren't sure if they left a msg. They also said they sent a few letters dated after we had moved properties ( over 12months after we switched suppliers).

I have tried to offer a token of we'll pay half and they clear it off my account as they said its an unpaid bill so will be a default i assume on my account?. They said no we want the full amount.

I am looking for some advise as to what my options are. The money isn't the issue the time delay and the refusal to sort my account out as we had closed the account and paid the final bill. Also they only tried to contact us 5 times without leaving any message so we were unaware a problem till now.

thanks in advance

James

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  • FireWyrm
    FireWyrm Posts: 6,557 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker Debt-free and Proud!
    JamesB84 wrote: »

    I have tried to offer a token of we'll pay half and they clear it off my account as they said its an unpaid bill so will be a default i assume on my account?. They said no we want the full amount.

    And you say "get lost unless you can prove it". It's that simple. The burden of proof is on them, not you. Dont be frightened into paying this debt when it might not even be yours. At the very least, you want a meter reading, you want to know when there last meter reading was for you at your house and then when this debt is supposedly from.

    Tell them that you will not enter into any agreement unless and until they can provide proof and a breakdown of how this debt was arrived at...and you wont speak to them except in writing.
    Debt Free! Long road, but we did it
    Meet my best friend : YNAB (you need a budget)
    My other best friend is a filofax.
    Do or do not, there is no try....Yoda.

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