Switching energy providers with a balance owing

wocko

Hi

So I've just recently provided meter readings to my electricity supplier and, notwithstanding my monthly payments, there's a balacing owing on the account of around £1,000.

I need to switch to a supplier with a lower tariff but how or can I do this if I'm in debt to them.

There has been a debit balance on the account for many months, likely because I underestimated my usage when I set up the direct debit.

I can't find any info on this save for seeing that if the debit balance has existed for more than 28 days and exceeds £500 then it will need to be paid (presumably in full) when the customer switches.

Can anyone confirm this or does anyone know the actual position.

Thanks

Wocko

alfie1950

From what I have seen over the years if your supplier is owed more than £200 they have the right to block any switch.
However they seem to treat each case differently depending on how you have managed the account and what risk they consider you are as far as recovering their money.
Just ask your current supplier to put you on their cheapest deal .

Streaky_Bacon

There is nothing to stop you initiating a switch to a cheaper supplier and seeing if it goes through, and no reason to delay doing so.

Whether it is blocked depends upon various factors, but it only takes a few minutes to initiate.

If it's blocked then you can start trying to find a solution, such as suggested by alfie1950.

If it does go through then you can set up a payment plan with the old supplier.

Gerry1

If all your DDs have been honoured there should be no reason why your switch should be blocked, although you'll have to settle the final bill promptly. If your existing company hasn't reviewed your DD they can't complain about there being a debit balance.