Do I have to create a Wise account in order to receive my Winter fuel payment?

Carlsdad

Just to muddy the waters, I did leave Bulb last October when we moved house. I had enquired of Bulb if they covered the new area. They told me 'No' so I paid my final bill, and closed the account.  When we arrived at the new address, turned out that Bulb were in fact supplying the G and E after all. Took ages to sort this out and I now have a new account. I also have a direct debit in favour of Bulb but, so far, they haven't taken a penny. All very confusing. I will contact them again, and ask why they can't pay the latest payment into the account.

razord

Just to be clear here, you don't need to open a wise account. They just use wise to process payments.

You'll be asked to fill in your bank details by Wise.

Spoonie_Turtle

This is actually making more sense now.  Did the e-mail have any account information on it?  They were your supplier at the old address on the 31st August so they are responsible for paying you - as the old account holder - the WHD.

Them not having taken payment for the new account may indicate they're having problems there, and as you had a different account and different address (and different electricity meter, if that's included anywhere in the process) then the fact you are with them again - and possibly not fully on the system yet somehow - is almost irrelevant.