Moving home with energy debt. How does it work?

[FlutterByDay]

We are downsizing. I am disabled and due to my need for constant warmth throughout the day, we have run up a sizeable energy debt over the winter. We pay for ongoing use and the deficit is on a payment plan. Our direct debit is nearly £400 each month and is barely affordable . We don’t qualify for help.

We move next week and our new address has a different and more flexible tariff which we would like to keep (our current tarriff is high and customer service is abysmal) . Will I be able to leave my current supplier and continue to pay the balance over a payment plan?

This would allow us to start afresh with a much more affordable direct debit (which we will set higher to cover us for winter). Or will our supplier insist with have to stay with them whilst we have a balance?

This bit of information from National Debtline seems to suggest that opening an account with a new supplier should be fine, it may only be an issue if you wanted to use the same supplier in the new property: “ Old debt and new address: You cannot be disconnected for a gas or electricity bill from an old address if you have moved home. However, you may find it hard to get an energy supply in your new home from the same supplier unless you make an arrangement to pay your debt with them. You may need to use a different supplier for your new address.” Full factsheet is here: https://nationaldebtline.org/fact-sheet-library/gas-and-electricity-arrears-ew/#:~:text=You%20cannot%20be%20disconnected%20for,supplier%20for%20your%20new%20address.

Sorry about your difficulties, it is very hard when you have a specific need and yet don’t qualify for help. Hope you get your fresh start in your new home and that we have a nice, warm summer to make things a bit easier.

@Arlanymor Sorry I’ve only come back to the thread . Thankyou for responding and for your advice.

No worries at all, I hope it helped. Good luck with your fresh start.