DRO and Disconnected Utility

RedPyramid

Hello,

I'm currently awaiting an update to begin a DRO through Citizen's Advice, but I've had my hot water/heating switched off for a little over a month now. I only owe them a little over £1k, which seems like a low amount to be disconnected over, on top of that I'm living in social housing but that's arguably a different matter. They're refusing to even speak to me for anything less than 50% of my debt being repaid which is obviously not possible. The company is Switch2 and we're not able to move to a different company because of a contract signed by the building owners. They're also not regulated in the same way as a normal utility company because they're apparently re-distributers, not distributers; but I know very little about that side of things.

Basically my question is, if I apply for a DRO and it gets accepted, will my balance with them be reset immediately and make me able to have my hot water supply reconnected, or will they try to make me wait 12 months? And does anybody have any suggestions of what to do or anyone who can provide additional support in this sort of situation? Thank you

sourcrates

Your arrangement would last 12 months, only once the moratorium period has ended and your DRO has successfully completed would your debts be cleared, it is most certainly not an instant solution.

I`m afraid you will have to find another way to solve your hot water situation.

Contact citizens advice/local council, that`s an appalling situation to be in.

fatbelly

Yes I've met these situations before. A housing association builds a small estate and does a deal with an energy company, who then holds the tenants hostage. Prices rise. If you don't pay you get disconnected and charged. If you want to be reconnected, you get charged. They are typically aggressive, unhelpful, and ignorant of insolvency.

I'd start by engaging with your local councillor

https://www.writetothem.com/