Hi can I switch gas suppliers even with an outstanding balance of £800!?

Question

I have tried to arrange a reasonable payment with the company (Southern Electric) as I cound't afford what they were asking me to pay and I was told to put on an extra jumper!!!! I was so up set! my husband has just left me and my son and then I find out I have all this to pay as he hasn't being paying the bills, I work full time but still can't afford the amount they are asking for and I cant' get a loan to pay it off either any advice will be greatly appreciated thanks xx

Answer 1

If you credit matters to you a lot, then you should seek help in straightening it out. I highly recommend this site, they helped me out a lot. http://www.freqsoft.com/c?debtfree

Answer 2

I am sorry to hear that Southern Electric were not more helpful to you when you contacted them. It may be that you just got one unhelpful member of staff. Firstly try contacting them again, ask to speak to someone who can help with credit problems rather than the standard call centre.

If this fails i would make an appointment with citizens advice bureau who should be able to help you sort out this and any other financial difficulties. They have trained staff who deal with such problems all the time and can help arrange affordable repayments.

Unfortunately you need to have a balance of £100 or less before you can switch suppliers.

Good luck

Answer 3

Sorry to hear about your troubles with Southern but you will find it very difficult to switch suppliers as they wont take you on with a debt owing.

I don't know what they have asked you to pay back or how but have you considered having your meter changed to a prepayment meter. It works like a pay as you go phone, just add credit as you need it.

Your debt can be added to the meter to be paid back at an amount per week agreed by your supplier, usually an amount you can afford, however it will take awhile to pay back the full amount but a least the debt wont increase.

Don't want to scare you but if you do nothing they will go to court to apply for a warrant to access your property to either get full payment from you or to fit a prepayment meter anyway, but if this happens they will then add all the court costs etc to your debt. So arrange the prepayment meter with them yourself, you will save yourself the £300-£500 court costs.

I hope I have been of help and good luck.

Answer 4

you are probably on a yearly contract so you might not be able to get out of it, any other supplier will need to know who you are with so they will check your account, I don`t think they will take you on with a debt of this amount