Energy supplier doubled bill with charges

ASingleMum

Im a single mum with two small children, on a low income but have been quite capable of paying my energy bills off within the year, as proved from past years. Suddenly at the beginning of this year i get house calls from the companys baliffs, demansing a payment plan of £24 a week! plus the charge of £30 for the house visit. I pay this up to an amount of £300, stopped last week when i called to see how much my bill was, thinking id paid £300 offf, was totally shocked when thry told me it was £850 odd still. it was only £300 odd at the end of the year, how can i possibly use so much, in my small cottage, two small kids. As i couldnt keep up with payments as im on low income, and home educate my children, they have added more charges. now demanding £900. I have the CAB calling this week with an appointment with a financial advisor. I will ask them to help me complain and apply for grant to help with the siad debt. However, knowing I was on low income, as the energy supplier gave me warm home discount last year. I paid off previous bills with them in previous years, last year they received total of £800 off me. this year anther £300, in just 5mnths. I have been advised to make samll payments, as i have always paid for services used. I think iv been victimised, treated unfairly this is unjust, unlawful. I will get CAB to help me complain via organisations such as ombudsman. Im finding it quite difficult to work this out and find help and deal with the pressures as i have two small children, whom obviously come first and dont understand why mummys stressed and frustrated. Id appreciate any advice and help. Please excuse my msg format, totally tech illiterate. Many thanks

sourcrates

Hi,

You have done the right thing in contacting CAB.

It's impossible to comment without knowing more detail, is it just for electricity, gas, or both ?

You need to shop around for the best tariff, and pay by monthly DD if possible, you pay less this way.

You need to sit down with CAB and copies of your bills to see how this problem has arisen, they should be able to negoatiate with your supplier on your behalf.

National_Debtline

Hello there,


When a debt is unclear like this the best place to start is to write/ email the supplier and ask them for some details. Ask them for a breakdown of the account, a copy of their code of practice about dealing with people in financial difficulty, a breakdown of the fee and charges structure etc. All of this will help you to put together your complaint.

Generally speaking, you will need to pay for you on going fuel bill(s) plus extra to deal with the arrears; but if you have been stuck in this cycle for some time then I think a Trust Fund application is also a good idea. If you're successful you could get a clean slate so you only have to pay for what you use after that and then you can also shop around for the best supplier. Good luck,


Laura
@natdebtline