My friend hasn't paid electric bill in 3 years what will happen to her?

[Wanderingstar12]

Hi 3 years ago my friend and I moved into the same new build block of flats owned by the council. We were told that our electric was supplied by British Gas but that we could set up with any energy supplier we wanted when we both moved in. I phoned British Gas and created an account but, she didn't. Out of curiosity, will she ever be billed and when? She seems to be getting away with not paying her electricity? When will British Gas find out and if they do, will they want the full amount or just last 12 months?

She will be reviewing letters. They will catch up with her eventually. Possibly with a debt collection agency. I had a court summons for from somewhere I lived in years ago. The new tenants after me 'forgot' to sort out their energy suppliers, moved out then the new tenants sorted theirs, it took EDF 7 years to locate the tenant they had on file, which was me. Luckily I had proof of moving, notifying council etc and living elsewhere.

They'll definitely catch up with her, either when there's a problem with the supply that needs sorting, or, more likely a subsequent tenant sets up their billing and the company realises that there's xxxxxxxkWh already on the meter.

Thank you all for your advise. I'll pass it all onto my neighbour who can decide what to do from there as she herself does not use the internet. It's just a situation I've never encountered myself, that's all and I just wanted to give her informed advice.

I did hear on a consumer affairs programme that they can only charge for 12 months. But I think that was if they were at fault. Not setting up an account may not apply.

FixtheBone I think you've guessed the right outcome although there are many ways this could go as previous posters have pointed out. If she remains in the property perhaps nothing will ever get flagged up because there has not been a single attempt to contact her or her property regarding electricity for 3 years now. If the next tenant also never sets up with an electricity supplier theoretically this loophole could continue? Obviously that would be very unlikely as most people wouldn't dare risk it. She is prepared to have her money taken from her benefits should the worst happen and they issue a court order. I hope they give prior notice if they are coming through her door to install a prepayment meter.