Utility Bill Debt

Utility bill debt and overdue bills need to be sorted out quickly. In almost all cases, utility companies are legally allowed to cut off your supply of gas or electricity. However, this does not apply to water rates. Overdue utility bills that should be prioritised include your phone or broadband, particularly if you rely on either for your employment.

Communicating with utility providers

Once you have prioritised your debt, contact each utility company to discuss your utility bill debt with them. Don't worry, all companies have a process for dealing with kind of problem. Fuel suppliers, such as electricity and gas companies, have a strict practice code that means those who agree to a payment plan will not have their supplies cut off.

Repayment plan for utility bills

An accurate repayment plan for utility bills needs to make sure that the consumer can pay each month or week. A plan could also incorporate using a pre-payment meter whereby a card, key, coins or a token is utilised to pay for gas or electricity.

Utility bill debt and benefits

Those who are on benefits and have unpaid utility bills can apply to have their debt or payments taken straight from their benefits, in a process known as Fuel Direct. As well as paying for current full use, this process will pay off the debt on a weekly basis.

Utility bills and the winter fuel payment

Winter fuel payment is available for people over the age of sixty, to help them stay warm through the winter. This lump sum is tax free.

Water bills arrears

Water rates are generally sent two times each year, with the customer paying either in a lump sum or in weekly or monthly instalments. Water is the only utility that the company cannot cut off, but they may attempt to take the debtor to court. If you think that a water company is behaving unreasonably, it is possible to complain to the Office of Water Services.