Energy Transfer with outstanding debt?

sazzlejazzle

Ive transfered to Bulb recently and have just had my EDF final bill of £2850. I was aware it wss high as I have always struggled to pay my energy bills. At one point they were higher than my mortgage for several years. I never changed suppliers because of my debt. But, maybe stupidly, ive just gone and done it online and changed to Bulb who are LOADS cheaper for me. I am going to make the dreaded phone call today to try and plead my case to have an affordable arrangement to pay this huge debt back but what are my rights? Do I have to pay it all at once or do they have to give me time to pay? I hate talking on the phone and get extreme anxiety over it so hopefully if I know what I can expect it will help. TIA

molerat

The debt is immediately due now you have switched but they will most likely offer a payment plan.

Have you actually switched or is this just a routine bill as with that level of debt they could block a switch ?

sazzlejazzle

Thanks for the reply. I don't think it has transferred yet but im not sure. Bulb are meant to be supplying me from 10th December and my first payment to them is going out on 10th. I think I will try and find an email address for EDf and contact them to see.

PixelPound

As said, it's immediately payable and your old supplier could block the switch. They may agree to a plan, but if you've always struggled would you be able to manage to repay. What you think you can afford to repay it at and what the energy company is willing to do may be wildly different. It could also be marked as defaulted and sold on in future.

System

sazzlejazzle wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. I don't think it has transferred yet but im not sure. Bulb are meant to be supplying me from 10th December and my first payment to them is going out on 10th. I think I will try and find an email address for EDf and contact them to see.

I would be extremely surprised if EDF hasn't taken action to block the transfer given the amount of debt. You will not get a Final Bill until after the actual transfer and not before the transfer meter readings have been validated by an industry third-party. This can take up to 6 weeks from the date of the actual transfer of supply. Switching energy suppliers is not like taking out a new credit card and transferring the balance. If EDF has allowed the transfer to proceed, then the full amount is immediately payable on demand.

Sorry - my post crossed with the above but the message is the same.

sazzlejazzle

Is it too late for me to cancel the transfer from the Bulb end?

molerat

When did you apply, you have a 14 day cooling off period to cancel.

macman

Whatever you have received from EDF, it is not a final bill, as you are still on supply with them until 10/12. Hengus is correct: I cannot believe that they will allow you to switch with that huge amount of debt.

sazzlejazzle

It was 19th November

footyguy

sazzlejazzle wrote: »

Ive transfered to Bulb recently and have just had my EDF final bill of £2850. ...

sazzlejazzle wrote: »

... I don't think it has transferred yet but im not sure. ....

Well you've confused me. And you sounded so sure in your OP

When you've worked out what you've done, and have sorted out your debts, consult a comparison site to find the best deal for you.
In fact, even if you have to remain with EDF whilst you pay off your debt, it's still worth checking a comparison site to find the best EDF deal for you ... then contacting EDF and requesting that tariff

The Debt Free Wannabe board can help you in how to pay off your debts.

Good luck!

sazzlejazzle

Just cancelled it! Thanks for your help!