Changing energy suppliers

pld3009

Hello all

Guess this is a question asked a few times, scenario below

My mother-in-law is recently widowed, starting to struggle with bills etc. Currently has two suppliers (SSE for electric & British Gas for gas).

We are looking into changing suppliers but off her latest bill for SSE it states is owes an amount of £138.79 (this may have changed as the bill was from February).

If we are to change would this 'debt' need to be paid off before a transfer of suppliers could take or would the new supplier take on this 'debt' and modify monthly charges accordingly.

Many thanks for any help with this.

Bark01

If your PPM a £500 debt can be transferred if you are credit then unfortunately you'll need to pay it otherwise SSE will block any transfer.

keith1950

I think it varies depending on your payment history.
If the debt is under £200 they may allow the switch. However the new supplier will not take on this debt, the old supplier will need to be paid when you receive the final bill which can be up to six weeks after the switch.

macman

Her last bill should be no more than 3 months ago-not as long as February. Is that based on actual reads and is she submitting regular reads, at least every 3 months?
If not submit reads and get an up to date billing.
As above, any arrears will become due on the final billing if you switch-you can't transfer debt to a new account.