In debit with energy supplier

startingout2016

I am looking to move from EDF energy as their rates seem surprisingly high compared to others.

I have checked my account and submitted latest meter readings and see that I am currently in Debit to them of £364.

How does it work changing supplier?

Do i need to pay this lump sum before moving?

brewerdave

They will probably block a switch until you have paid off the outstanding balance - have they actually produced a bill showing a debit or suggested an increase in you DD??

Gerry1

There's a difference between being in debt and your account having a debit balance. You're in debt if you haven't paid a bill, e.g. if your direct debit was bounced. If you're in debt by £500 or more it usually means you can't switch because your supplier will block the switch.

But if your DD has always gone through and your account has merely gone into debit because winter bills are bigger or you've used more than expected, that's fine. However, they will probably expect you to pay the final bill in one go.

startingout2016

Its just in debit as we had some building work going on that used a higher proportion of energy than normal.
The dd has been increased to cover it but it will be a few months before it evens out.

Essmum

You can initiate a switch..they may block it if the debt is over £50.
If you do manage to switch away ask the old supplier if you can have a payment plan to pay off the final bill.Most will be amenable to that.
If the switch is blocked try to pay a bit extra each month until your account is almost clear so you can switch to a cheaper tariff.

Gerry1

Essmum wrote: »

You can initiate a switch..they may block it if the debt is over £50.

But the OP hasn't done anything wrong, it's merely a debit balance not a debt.

Essmum

It's not about doing anything wrong..if there is money owing on the account they may block the switch as it's their right to do so.
They may allow the switch to go through. Maybe give them a call and see what they suggest.

Gerry1

Essmum wrote: »

It's not about doing anything wrong..if there is money owing on the account they may block the switch as it's their right to do so.

Ofgem states that "If it's your supplier's fault you're in debt, they can't stop you from switching."

Assuming that the OP has been paying all the bills promptly (e.g. all DDs honoured) then it seems clear that the transfer can't be blocked.

Essmum

Hows that the suppliers fault that he has underpaid his energy bills..if hes been giving regular meter reads and they havent upped his DD for a while than they may let him switch and pay the debt on a payment plan..
However if he hasn't given reads in a while than it's not really the suppliers fault.

McKneff

Clarity is needed.is it debt or debit.

If you owe the money you are in debt

startingout2016

It’s a debit balance from when we had workmen in and our usage spiked.
Our DD went from £120 to £150 a month to pay it off , just not quite there yet