What happens if you can't afford to pay?

LADYXXMACBETH

I'm concerned coming towards this winter what happens if I can't pay. 
I'm already struggling to afford my £228 DD and it will go up in October. 
I'm assuming that they would force me to have a prepayment meter put in, but what happens when you can't put money into it? Do you just go without? 
What happens when you don't put money into it? Where does the debt go? If it goes to a debt collection agency and you're already in debt then it won't get paid. 
It's slightly hypothetical, but I think it could be a reality for some come this winter. 

[Deleted User]

You'd agree a repayment plan with them and if not, the usual debt collection options would apply.

Sterlingtimes

If a substantial class of people does not pay then those who do pay will effectively pay directly for their own and indirectly for those who do not pay.

Ultrasonic

Rather than solely focusing on energy this is likely to be part of a wider cost-of-living related issue, with looking at ways to reduce expenditure and possible eligibility for government support being important factors. 

Solely on energy, focusing on doing what you can to reduce how much you use should be the first step. The biggest savings can come from heating use next winter but don't think that what you can do right now is irrelevant.

rp1974

First step will be finding out why there's trouble with paying bills,and if so what can realistically be done to help by reaching an agreement suitable to you both.
Next would be a prepayment meter fitted to clear debt and help prevent worsening the situation.
If you can't put money into it then you'll need to use the emergency credit function until you top up a sufficient amount.
Ultimately yes,when the emergency amount is exhausted it will disconnect and you do have to go without.
Debt would eventually be passed on to collection agents for recovery.

Gerry1

Have you made sure you are claiming all the benefits to which you may be entitled, e.g. Warm Home Discount?  Citizens Advice would be a good place to start.

Similarly, go on the Priority Services Register if relevant.

northernstar007

isnt there a hardship fund with your supplier?

pochase

northernstar007 said:

isnt there a hardship fund with your supplier?

What do you think how long hardship funds will last with the new expensive energy.  A record number of people won't be able to afford energy at the new rates and would need the help.

At the same time the profits are down or even loss for the suppliers, so there is no funding to increase them.

Gerry1

northernstar007 said:

isnt there a hardship fund with your supplier?

It doesn't even have to be with your existing supplier.  Yesterday's Moneybox programme on Radio 4 had some useful advice.

brewerdave

pochase said:

northernstar007 said:

isnt there a hardship fund with your supplier?

What do you think how long hardship funds will last with the new expensive energy.  A record number of people won't be able to afford energy at the new rates and would need the help.

At the same time the profits are down or even loss for the suppliers, so there is no funding to increase them.

IF the increases in the October cap are anywhere near the gloomy end of predictions, I can see 100.000s of customers being in the same boat as the OP.

MattMattMattUK

brewerdave said:

pochase said:

northernstar007 said:

isnt there a hardship fund with your supplier?

What do you think how long hardship funds will last with the new expensive energy.  A record number of people won't be able to afford energy at the new rates and would need the help.

At the same time the profits are down or even loss for the suppliers, so there is no funding to increase them.

IF the increases in the October cap are anywhere near the gloomy end of predictions, I can see 100.000s of customers being in the same boat as the OP.

I think that is something a lot of people do not realise, we are heading into a significant period of declining living standards and the reality is that for the majority there is very little that can be done.