Pre-payment meter problems

[jonnyblade]

I fell behind with my electricity prepayment agreement.

I'm self employed and some weeks only make enough money to eat - i am also behind with my council tax and one months rent arrears - I can see i am going to have to move out and perhaps rent a room/lodgings.

 

My immediate problem is the electricity companies collection agency are wanting to install a prepayment meter. - I owe 520, i have offered to pay 200 on monday as this week i have made enough money to do so. The agency has said no - its not 50% and i fell behind.

 

If a prepayment meter is fitted - i could be stuffed - some of my income comes from an internet business - also i need to shower as i work with the Public/local government on a self employed business - the shower is electric, and also - the Meter is in a Cupboard outside of my flat (with everyone elses meters) - in the hallway and this can be locked - so i have no guarantee of access to the meter.

 

If they fit a meter - i may not always be able to top it up, and also the moment my electricity stops (say i have a low income week), im totally buggered.

 

I fully intend to pay this debt - but the moment the electricity stops - my survival would mean bailing on the premises.

 

Essentially i have a cash flow problem - my 200 ive offered is more than what i have fallen behind by - some months i make good money and overs not.

 

Any advice is much appreciated.

[dx100uk]

you've prob just got a threat-o-gram that looks pretty

not power2collect is it?

 

if they apply for a warrant you must by given the date to attend.

 

i've moved this thread to the utils forum

have a read of a few like threads here.

 

your best bit is to converse direct with whom you pay & make an arrangement

dont entertain the dca

 

call them tomorrow.

 

dx

[jonnyblade]

Yes it is power to collect.

 

Thanks dx

[dx100uk]

have a read here amoungst other such power2collect threads you'll find in this utils forum

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?304995-power2contact-dca-fake-bailiff-locksmith-forced-outer-door-for-debt-to-Npower-is-this-legal

 

dx

[jonnyblade]

Thanks DX - i will ring the supplier tomorrow and explain the situation with meter access.

I will make a payment tomorrow of 150 - 200 (when i have done my sums for what i can afford up too).

 

I checked the cupboard and today it is unlocked - I expect this is because currently no children live in the building. It did used to be locked and the 'caretaker' - (a retired resident) has the key.

Perhaps it is unlocked as he has forgot to lock it after meter readings - either way i can't be sure of access to a mortice locked cupboard.

 

I think i will actually have to move out anyway - all that fitting a payment meter will do is add another 50 quid tp my final bill (that would come out of my deposit) - i reckon the landlord would poop a brick at seeing a prepayment meter and i'd be served notice - fair enough i think.

 

I'll make a payment tomorrow and if they want to get a warrant i will attend court and show the magistrate a photo of the meter cupboard.

 

My situation is that some months i earn little, and other months i earn enough to make perhaps 2 - 3 months payments.

I'd rather not move out - my big problem is catching up the backlog of a financially difficult 18 months.

[davehsug]

It may well help if you can get your landlord to tell npower that he will not permit a PP meter to be fitted.

[45002]

It may well help if you can get your landlord to tell npower that he will not permit a PP meter to be fitted.

 

LL can't stop them if they have a valid Warrant to fit a PP meter.....

 

jonnyblade Just carry on paying them as you posted in your early posts,at least it will show your willing to pay the debt off..

[davehsug]

Yes on reflection you're probably correct, it's usually voluntary PP meters that LLs won't allow.