Npower want either deposit or for me to be on prepaid meters

[starlit]

Hi, I took out a debt relief order last month. My gas/elec bill is included in that, as they are asking for £700 which I can't afford. I pay monthly at £74 a month for both (2bed flat) and then was struggling to pay extra on top to clear the debt. They have now said that because I have a DRO I have two options. I can either be switched to a prepayment meter, or I can pay a deposit of £335 to remain as I am, but then have the deposit returned to me if I pay all my bills within 28 days of issue for 12 months or if I pay by direct debit and don't miss any payments. I know I can afford the £74 a month, and my mum has said she could pay the £335, but which is easiest? I've not heard good things about prepaid meters, as I've been told that people find they're spending more than what they would have done if they had continued on a normal tariff. Any advice?

I would pay the deposit personally, because the tariffs are higher for pre payment meters. Do you already pay by DD, as you should be getting an additional discount for it?

Prepayment meters are more expensive. I'd go for the deposit too.

Not all companies charge more for elec/gas supplied through prepayment meters,I know EDF charge the same as their normal tarriff.
I find I,m spending less with a prepayment meter as I,m not so inclined just to chuck clothes in the tumble dryer when I van see how much I,m using on a day to day basis.

Try to switch provider. Both options are not brilliant TBH. Also can you go to a CAB and ask them to raise it as a social policy issue? People should not penalised like that after a DRO. CAB campaign to have this sort of injustices removed.

What is a debt relief order?

I'd be straight down to the Citizen's Advice Bureaux if I were you. If you are in debt, pushing you to find £335 is not on - utilities are not your top priority, mortgage/rent and council tax are. You need advice from an independent source. You could also have a look at the moneysavingexpert.com forums.

You seem to have, at some stage, failed to pay your bills. The power company is therefore, quite reasonably, declining to give you credit. (No-one else in their right mind will either, so PLEASE don't "stretch the truth" in order to run up more debts!).

You will pay a little more for your power with a prepayment meter. But you won't have to find a lump sum for the quarterly bills.

The CAB can't get you out of this. It isn't "fair". But buying stuff you couldn't pay for wasn't "fair" either. "Entitlement" is well out of fashion these days. Sorry. At least you've got a supportive Mum.

Jeez exaltedwombat- that's uunecessarily harsh!

There are many many many reason people end up in debt, particularly to utility companies. The OP is trying to address the issue you sticking the boot in is not helpful just bitchy.

Personally I would speak to CAB, then if that fails accept the offer of help from your mum, it is likely that the prepayment meters will be more expensive (it will be more difficult to change suppliers whilst in debt). Then make sure that it is paid as a priority so the payment is returned to your Mum.

Would you be paying the debt off via the pre-payment meter? or via the debt relief order? If you are in any danger of not meeting the terms then I would go for the meter until you are on an even keel again, then once your debt is paid off, pay a deposit for a normal meter then.

In our old flat we had a pre payment meter, it was fine, less than we pay now in fact, we were with edf

Hows the air up there exalted? .

I sort of agree with exaltedwomvat. Although not as harshly because people don't really see that using gas and ele prior to paying for it as 'credit'.
In terms of cab though- this is not a social policy matter, all designated social tariffs have been withdrawn and replaced with the governments warm home discount, to prevent companies attempting to be competative in terms of vulnerable customers as not all customers can be with the 'best' company (economy10 meters etc) therefore a single and fixed payment that is the same with all providers was introduced.

Are you claiming benefits? If you are you can go through dwp and pay by fuel direct- they willl have to include your balance outstanding plus what your using in whatever figure dwp state a reasonable- however this simply prolongs the period you are in debt.

Check if the prepaid tariff is higher if jot switch to that, if it is and your mum will pay the deposit check that you are receiving direct debit discount as some providers don't award it if there are overdue balances over 28 days old.

Good luck.