In debt with electric and don't want to pay

[OnwardsandOver]

Was living in a 3 bed flat with 2 children and paying £77 for electric per month (flat was electric only). Was sent letters regularly and was in credit. Payment went up about 12 months ago to £216 and then to £397 by the following month.

I cancelled my direct debit as this was unaffordable, I was sent letters and then they came round to take a meter reading, eventually they stated I owe £5000, I've set up monthly payments

I've recently moved house, as its a new build its with a different utility company, do I have to change back to the old company as I'm in debt with them or can I just stay with the new company??

Did you take a meter reading when you moved out? This will give you an accurate bill. They will then chase you for payment of this bill. Thats how debt works, you dont just get to decide not to pay it. Call them and try to sort something out unless you want a CCJ and possibly bailiffs at your door.

EDF won't let you change utility companies if you owe them money. You need to agree a repayment plan to avoid a CCJ. If you get one it will stay on your credit record for 6 years. LL and mortgage companies will see it when they do a search against you.

As their new house is with a different supplier EDF dont get a say in them leaving supply. They will chase them for the debt though so it does need sorting out.

OP you cancelled the DD but did you continue to making payments ?
You don’t actually say...
Have you been reading your meter , or just paying an estimated amount ?
£5000 is a lot for a 2 bed flat

Your DD payment probably went up after you had accrued some of the debt and then the debt only increased further after you cancelled your DD.

Homes that run on 100% electric are usually more expensive than homes that use gas + electric because electric is around 4x higher than gas per KWH.

You should have a record of your meter readings? Bills with your tariffs and usage? (Online if not by post).

You will need to avoid a CCJ, many landlords do an annual check before offering to renew a lease so failing to get a payment plan going could mean being evicted from your new place. I don’t know how the council will view such debt, the fear is that they might deem you intentionally homeless if you have a pattern of not paying bills.