Gas/Electric Bill Who has to Pay?

hazel1910

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but here goes anyway...
My partner walked out on me and the kids a week ago, he had the gas/electric in his name only (I paid other bills), he is being a real D_ _KHEAD and has stated that he will not pay the bill of about £167 and that I will have to pay.
I am on a very low wage and do not have the money to pay the bill - but do I have to pay it?

spiro

You are jointly and severally liable, what that means in english is you are both liable. They will get the money from whoever they can. As you still live in the property that almost certainly means you. It would then be down to you to get the money from him, they won't be interested. Not what you wanted to hear.

hazel1910

Defo not the news I wanted!!! But thank you for your reply.

SoletraderSteve

If the account was in his name only the supplier should only chase him for any bills. Yoh should contsct tbe current supplier, take a meter reading and advise them he has moved out and oit in your name and set up paying the bills from the day he moced out.

Cardew

Although they seem to contradict, both replies above are correct!


There is no doubt that they should pursue your partner for payment as the bill is in his name; so provide the energy company with his details and make it clear to them that the bill is his responsibility and you cannot pay.


Unfortunately if 'push comes to shove' as spiro states in post#2 you are both jointly and severally liable and they will pursue you if they feel you are an easier target - especially if the debt is passed to a Debt Collection Agency.(DCA)


If bill is unpaid it will inevitably mean getting a pre-pay meter installed, by Court order if you resist.

[Deleted User]

In my opinion the account holder only is liable in this case. Whos to say for sure if the "partner " was responsible for any part of the bill, she could well have been away from the property and moved back in again when he vacated. We have had many questions like this over the years when, say, the account holder is deceased.The debts only fall on the account holder. The same criteria would apply with his account with Ladbrooks or Wonga. The OP should just forward his address to the suppliers. Suppliers wont push for a prepayment meter for such a low amount as £167, it would cost more to install it.