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Original poster

Can you get help with fuel bills?

22 replies

hunkeydorey · 12/01/2007 10:18

I changed supplier 6 months ago as they told me they could reduce my monthly payment. They did for the first 6 months and now they have sent me a letter saying that I owe them loads of money and they want to increase my dd to £83 a month, I am currently paying £20.

I just can't afford this. I've just been crying down the phone to them and they said that I might be able to get some help from a scheme called Fuel Direct, but I can't find anything out about it. Are there any schemes that help with fuel bills? If not, I'm stuffed, I'll have to bloody wash by hand and line dry everything I suppose.

OP posts:
janinlondon · 12/01/2007 10:21

Let me guess- Powergen? They are notorious for doing this to get customers. Though I think the other companies are latching onto the idea too. Sorry, don't know anything about Fuel Direct, but hope someone will be along soon who does. Just wanted to sympathise.

Original poster
hunkeydorey · 12/01/2007 10:27

It's nPower. I just feel so stupid, I can't believe I changed without looking into things a bit more first. Thanks for the sympathy though.

OP posts:
Freckle · 12/01/2007 10:28

I know that some fuel companies have a scheme to help people who are finding it hard to pay their fuel bills. I can't remember the exact details but your local CAB should be able to point you in the right direction.

Have you kept the letter offering lower monthly payments? If so, and it seems that it was just a ploy to get you to switch companies (i.e. they were charging you the same as your previous company but merely accepted less on a monthly basis leaving you with a massive debt now), contact Trading Standards and Ofgem.

You might find some useful information here:

Energy Advice - If you need advice on reducing your fuel bills, Freephone 0800 512012
Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) - They can deal with disputes about such things as bills and disconnection. Tel: 0207 828 0898
EnergyWatch - They can deal with complaints against the gas company. Tel: 0121 455 0285.

Tortington · 12/01/2007 10:30

we changed from scottish power thought we got a final bill of two hunred - then got another bill completely fucked us up

i dont know anything about the fuel help

i do know if you ofer them a certain sum IN WRITING - say £5 PW off arrears they cant take you to court - well they can but the judge would think them outragous.

Original poster
hunkeydorey · 12/01/2007 22:00

Thanks for those numbers Freckle, I'm definitely going to speak to someone, I can't believe they can reel you in like that and then give you a huge bill 6 months later.

It's me, btw, using a different name, I quite like it, so I might keep it. A with 4 kids in M.

I did offer them £50 a month, instead of the £83 custy, they said that all they could do is put me on a prepayment meter, it looks like that is the road I'm going to have to go down. I'd like to just change to someone else, but of course I can't afford to pay the bill off so I'm stuck with them now.

OP posts:
Helennn · 15/01/2007 11:36

A frienf of mine is in similar situation, she was paying her dh her share towards electric bill, but he wasn't actually paying the bill!! They have now split up, (well done her), but he has moved out and won't tell her his new address, so she is lumbered with paying off all the bills!!! I googled Fuel Direct and did come up with a web-site, but it didn't look very promising. I spoke to electric company on her behalf and they said you could apply for some sort of payment from them from some emergency fund- but you have to apply through someone like the CAB. Hope this helps.

Freckle · 15/01/2007 11:46

Do go in to see CAB. They can look at the tactics employed by the company, for one thing - if tactics are dodgy, ask them to mark it as a social policy issue (this can go to the national organisation and can effect changes in the way these companies operate).

Secondly, we had a talk some time ago from someone from (I think) British Gas, about the support they offer people who are having difficulties with fuel bills. Obviously wasn't paying sufficient attention, because I can't remember all the details. However, I do know we have a poster in the bureau about it!

If you can't get in, telephone. Bureau is open 10am - 4pm Mon-Fri.

Helennn · 15/01/2007 12:49

Thank you Freckle - didn't realise you could ring the CAB!!! Friend has already spoken to someone from there but she unfortunately didn't find them much help. Shame as there is so much she needs to sort out. Would be interested to hear what the poster says if you have a chance to glance at it at all, .

Freckle · 15/01/2007 13:20

Hmm, sometimes people say CAB aren't much help when they don't get the information they are hoping for. Sometimes, there isn't a lot CAB can do simply because there is nothing.

However, your friend should go back (or to another bureau if she was unhappy with the level of service at her local one). She can check on their website (www.adviceguide.org.uk) to find bureaux within shouting distance and can check to see if they have a money advice specialist there (not all bureaux do). She would have to see a general adviser first, but might then be able to get an appointment with a specialist.

charliecat · 15/01/2007 13:24

Money saving expert has someting on this............wait 10 mins will i find it!

saffymum · 15/01/2007 14:36

HI, totally sympathise. We are with the same co as you. But we changed to them to get dual fuel. They have been terrible. We moved in and carried on using the key that was in the meter until their key arrived. Nothing came for ages then we got a blank key in an envelope with no letter or anything. It didn't even have an Npower stamp on it or the envelope. The key had been scribbled on with blue marker pen to cover the label. They came to change the elec meter from a key to a normal but cancelled the appointment. Now I keep asking (1 year 4 mths later) to get the meter changed but they say they are still in dispute with British Gas (previous key meter supplier) over the credit to the key and I keep getting bills for £200. Each time they send me one I call in and they say to ignore it but what happens when I change - which I am going to do - and they haven't settled this dispute? I pay about £20 per month on the Elec Key and £52 on the gas meter to Npower. I am going to change to Scottish or Atlantic as these come out as the cheapest. I hope this isn't another big mistake.....

Original poster
hunkeydorey · 15/01/2007 17:23

I rang the CAB today and they gave me the number for EnergyWatch. They took my details and gave me a number for N Power Customer Service for serious complaints.

The lady at N Power took all my details and said that they would look at the bill and go back to the sales person who had persuaded me to change suppliers. It seems that they can transfer me back to British Gas and that British Gas would then have to raise a bill as if they have supplied me for the past 6 months, I hope to god it's not higher than N Power. They have 10 days to get back to me and resolve the situation, I'll let you know what they say.

I'd be interested to read that thread on MSE Pen, if you've got a link.

OP posts:
Freckle · 15/01/2007 17:29

British Gas are reputed to be the most expensive supplier, so, if you do want to change from your current supplier, check with MoneySavingExpert or u-switch to find the best one for you.

We're with Sainsburys - which I think is Scottish Power (but I could be wrong) and, touch wood, have not had any problems.

Have you looked into any other money-saving measures, such as replacing a naff boiler, having cavity wall insulation installed, etc.? If in rented accommodation, your landlord might qualify. After all, it would be unreasonable to expect you to pay high bills because you live in an energy-inefficient property.

Original poster
hunkeydorey · 15/01/2007 17:45

From what they said, I don't think I would have a choice, they would just change me back to my previous supplier. I don't want to end up paying even more though!

The house is HA Freckle, I'm pretty sure that it has insulation and the boiler is gas. The house is made of cardboard though, so I can't imagine it is that energy efficient!! So far my gas bill appears to be quite normal, which is a relief.

OP posts:
charliecat · 15/01/2007 19:14

Will go look now...sorry p got a HUGE 1800 bill from CSA and I got busy on MSE looking into that....will return this time x

Original poster
hunkeydorey · 15/01/2007 19:19

I wouldn't worry about the bill Charlie. Just do what ex does, say you'll pay it and then don't bother, ime they don't do anything about it.

OP posts:
Freckle · 15/01/2007 19:22

If they switch you back to BG, you don't have to stay with them though. It might be worth checking out alternative suppliers in case they do this so that you can switch straight away.

charliecat · 15/01/2007 19:26

They have threatned to send it to debt collectors in 7 days No warning, or please pay these arrears from 10 years ago that we havent bothered asking for before.....well they used to take 10 quid a week extra for them, but after he was made redundant they didnt...and so it was...till now...nearly frigging dropped dead.
Got to pay 180...then 32 quid for the next 3.5 years.

charliecat · 15/01/2007 19:27

link{http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=127192&highlight=energy\heres athread that MAY or may not be helpful...its took ages to find that ne...skim thru.} still lookin

charliecat · 15/01/2007 19:30

or a massive 8.50 if its below freezing if your on IS www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/Dev_008270.xml.html

Freckle · 17/01/2007 13:54

If you are switched back to Btitish Gas and are then presented with another huge bill, you could apply to the British Gas Energy Trust for help.

See here . Might be worth switching back and applying rather than sticking with the new supplier and letting them rip you off.

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