Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Electric and gas

73 replies

Trishthompson · 02/02/2019 17:13

My meters have just started to bleep saying 85p how can I keep it on until Thursday when I get paid I've got a 1 year old daughter and can't go without electric and gas until Thursday I've tryd a fue things but no luck

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 02/02/2019 17:14

Ring your supplier, maybe they can help

Toffeeandcoffee · 02/02/2019 17:16

Can you ring your supplier and explain the situation? Surely they have a duty of care with the cold weather atm?
Borrow emergency cash from family or friends?
Not sure if the council can do anything?

Trishthompson · 02/02/2019 17:20

I have spoken to energy company and they can't do anything to help. I've got no family close to me and don't do online banking

OP posts:
swizzells2003 · 02/02/2019 17:22

Have you used the emergency credit?? There is normally about £5 emergency ........

Trishthompson · 02/02/2019 17:24

Council not open until Monday I know that they can help with fule voucher just gotta go weekend if it will last

OP posts:
Doodlekitty · 02/02/2019 17:24

Call your supplier back and ask if you are in an area with an active fuel bank. Works just like a food bank. Ensure they know you have a child in the property

SaltedIceCream · 02/02/2019 17:24

Turn off all lights and anything that’s not being used.
Wrap up and turn the heating down/off as it won’t last if you keep it all on.

PentreBachCymraeg · 02/02/2019 17:25

Should go on to £5 emergency?

Toffeeandcoffee · 02/02/2019 17:25

Just checked on citizens advice website, op, and it says your supplier can add temporary credit if you explain your circumstances. You will then have to pay it back when you next top up.

Trishthompson · 02/02/2019 17:26

Yes it kicks in automatic but didn't realise we've being so busy

OP posts:
Toffeeandcoffee · 02/02/2019 17:28

Also, I don't think the supplier will turn off your energy overnight? Even if you're out of credit.

Hugglessnuggles · 02/02/2019 17:28

Who’s your supplier?

Drogosnextwife · 02/02/2019 17:29

Could you borrow money? Even from a friend or neighbour?

Hugglessnuggles · 02/02/2019 17:30

Toffeeandcoffee yes they do if you’ve used your emergency credit

Trishthompson · 02/02/2019 17:31

Thaye said I have a outstanding balance and won't be able to give me no credit until the balance is lowered or cleared only been on meters 3 months

OP posts:
Toffeeandcoffee · 02/02/2019 17:31

Oh, I didn't know.
Who's your supplier, op?

Hugglessnuggles · 02/02/2019 17:32

I’m with Utilita. If I’ve run out of emergency credit and have no money, I can go on line and request a payment. They normally let you know within 15 minutes. They put on say £20 and then take it off a percentage every time you top up in future.

GalacticChickenShit · 02/02/2019 17:32

Ask a family member or friend to borrow a tenner?

Biggerknickersagain · 02/02/2019 17:32

Have you got 85p to cover both gas and electric? And do you have the emergency?
There's usually at least £5 for each on the emergency. If you have the emergency you are looking at just under a £1 a day to last until Thurs.
So -
Get your bedroom set up, DDs toys, and things to entertain her, TV, her bedding. Turn off all your other radiators except your bedroom Do you have a flask? Boil the kettle once and flask it for warm drinks.
Make up your bed with as much bedding as you can and keep the door to your room shut and set your heating for 2 hours - one in the morning and one in the evening, take a bowl of hot water in at those times and wash and dress you both while the room is warm. Play tents with her, games, etc have the TV on for light and entertainment.
It won't be great, but if you really can't access any more money to put on it's an option. I had to do this in 2010 because I couldn't get to work and didn't get paid because of the snow. I was bloody miserable and scared but I made it a big adventure for my then small DD - she now remembers it with fondness.
I feel for you OP, it's a horrible situation to be in.

GalacticChickenShit · 02/02/2019 17:33

So you've had the meters 3 months and already in debt?

Toffeeandcoffee · 02/02/2019 17:34

Huggles
That's good in an emergency. Peace of mind.

I didn't think the supplier could leave you without gas/electric, especially in this weather tbh.

Trishthompson · 02/02/2019 17:34

I'm hoping to see my friend tomorrow when she's back from work but if not then I don't know what to do

OP posts:
Trishthompson · 02/02/2019 17:36

No I was on pay monthly previous

OP posts:
donajimena · 02/02/2019 17:37

Galactic she probably had debt before the meters. I was in that situation once.

werideatdawn · 02/02/2019 17:37

I would get online banking sorted asap for the future.