Can’t pay full energy bill

[Lovebirdslovetea]

I can’t believe I’m in this situation again.
I can’t afford to pay for my energy bill for two weeks. I am paid twice not all in one go. On the 20th and at the end of the month.
Their energy saving advice makes no difference to the fact that I simply don’t have the funds available to pay.
They have already sent me a bill.
My question is will they allow me to pay in two weeks or take action given this has happened before?
TIA

Contact the energy supplier and explain you are having problems paying??? Most companies are usually helpful in these situations x

Speak to them, they may be able to bill you fortnightly so you don't run into this issue again.

Best to speak to them. Not sure if it still applies, but when my friend's DH lost his job and they couldn't pay bills, they sought advice and were told to pay £1 as it shows a gesture of goodwill.

Is there anything useful here?

www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/how-to-get-help-if-you-re-struggling-with-your-energy-bills-/

In future will it help if you pay by direct debit so you're able to spread the cost of winter bills evenly throughout the year?

Most energy companies don’t care if you go slightly into a debt if you pay by direct debit. Sometimes our account goes into the minus and then rectifies itself at other times depending on how much we’ve used etc - never considered it to be an issue. We’re with Octopus.

They want me to pay on the 18th at the latest even after I have explained I can only pay on the 20th. They’re giving me a late payment fee and even said they might pass it on to debt collection. I almost wish I’d never said anything. Now they want my full details and situation. By the way the amount they’re after is £50. This is so ridiculous

@Lovebirdslovetea that's absolutely daft on their part!!! Do you pay direct debit or when the bill comes in?? Tell them you can't pay till the 20th, you are making an effort to pay so I don't see why they can't accept it?? What company is i

As others have said, get in touch and explain your current situation.

It’s British Gas. I owe them £50 for about the last two weeks of usage. I’ve already explained my situation and that’s what led to them telling me they’re charging me for late payment fee (don’t know how much that is) and passing it in to debt collectors which will cost me £56. For a difference of 2 days!

@Lovebirdslovetea get some legal advice from citizens advice bureau. British gas can do one, they are really bad for customers service. Sending hugs x

They may charge you a late payment fee but they’re unlikely to refer to debt collectors in the two days between wanting payment and you making the payment.

do you have an overdraft you can go into to pay and avoid it all for the sake of 2 days?

No because then I will be charged by the bank for every 24 hours I am in my over draft

An overdraft is a good idea and this sort of temporary cash flow is exactly what they're for.

If you don't already have the facility, just ask your bank for a small overdraft facility and pay the bill - you might even be able to do it in your banking app.

Apart from this type of situation, then you pretend your OD facility doesn't exist and it won't cause you any bother.

Going forward, start to pay by monthly direct debit, so you don't have all your winter heating costs bunched up at this time of year.

It will be pennies. There is no charge but you will pay interest, but that will be a tiny amount. £50 borrowed for 2 days at a typical overdraft rate of 40% APR will be about 11 pence.

Speak with the energy provider and explain the situation and see what options they have. Most generally speaking from what I understand are willing to work with you if at all possible.

I did speak to them, I owe £50. I was told it’s being passed to debt collection which is something like £56 and I will also be paying a late payment fee.

Can anyone recommend a better provider

I can recommend Octopus energy and I used to work in the industry. Bills are easy to understand, no need to log into your account, it is attached to the email. The general MN feeling is that Octopus is a good supplier.

British Gas are being ridiculous jobs worths and I used to debt collect for the energy company. Can you pay a token amount now? If you can't do the whole amount do something, that way it shows willing and I would email them stating what you have paid and when you will pay the rest. I am sorry they are being so stubborn about it.

Send them written communication stating you don't get paid until 20th and will make payment then. Once it's in writing they will look bad if they don't let you. Which energy company is this?

It’s British Gas. I’ve already paid about £50 the bill was originally about £100. I’m not sure if there’s a way to email them

Move to Octopus, but I assume you need to bring your account upto date before you switch.

Yes I know. I’ll switch to octopus right after I’ve paid on the 20th. Do all energy companies start threatening debt collection and charges for a difference of 2 days?

@Lovebirdslovetea no they don't..... octopus are very very helpful if you are struggling x

No, as others have said, Octopus are very supportive. I've just moved into a new home that's served by British gas and I'm swapping back to Octopus ASAP.