Change electricity supplier on outstanding debts
How to Switch to a New Utility Provider Even If you Have Unpaid Accounts
06:55 11 February 2014
As there is no dearth of utility suppliers vying for your patronage and offering better tariffs, this could be the best time to change suppliers. Use your internet to compare rates and offerings to see how much savings you can muster if you switch supplier. These sites are free as they are sponsored by energy companies to publish their rates and the tariffs and they get a commission for every new sign up they gain. Once you have compared the rates, you can even change your suppliers online. Regardless if you are a home or a business owner, you can benefit from this free service to see which energy company offers the lowest rate for comparative service.
Having a debt with your current supplier may, however, pose a problem. Be that as it may, you are still protected by some rules which can legally deter the energy company from preventing a switch to another supplier even if you have unpaid bills. Just do not make your outstanding bill last more than four (4) weeks as it will be well within their rights to stop you from jumping to another supplier unless the account has been settled. If you are using an electricity meter, outstanding debts should not also go beyond four (4) weeks or you will have to stay with your current provider until you settled your bills.
If you are using a prepaid tariff, a debt of up to £500 can be carried over to the new supplier. However, the new supplier will charge you using a prepayment tariff pending settlement of the old account. Paying off the account should be your priority to be able to enjoy the normal energy rate.
In any case, outstanding accounts with your energy supplier will still have to be paid. Get in touch with them to make an arrangement on how you can pay your debt and make the switch to a new supplier possible. You could also ask your current provider if they have a better deal to offer to you. In all probability, they would want to retain your business and try to work out a better rate.