Scottish Power default notice

[belgarth69]

Hello

 

i am new here site recommended by a friend.

 

i have had some financial issues due to family member having been diagnosed with cancer,

 

i have been having problems with Scottish power and they have defaulted me on my electricity bill debt.

 

this bill is all estimated no meter reading has been done this year despite the fact that i am supposed to have a smart meter.

 

what i need to know is can they default against all estimated bills, and can they then send out a debt collector that they have charged me for and late payment fees and default charge.

[dx100uk]

a dca is NOT A BAILIFF

and have ZERO powers on ANY DEBT - no matter what it's type.

 

any penalty fees are unlawful under FCA rules and can be reclaimed/removed .

 

util bills are not covered by the consumer credit act so they cant issue a default notice under section 87 of the act.....if that is what you have..i doubt it.

 

regardless to if the readings are estimates or not, have you been paying something toward what you use regularly rather than totally ignoring them just because you might have an issue they are estimated?

 

gas/electric as well as rent/mortgage and council tax are regarded as priority bills and should not be ignored in favour of other non priority bills like digitaltv/internet/phone/mobile contracts or loans/credit cards...drop them all to £1PCM and ensure you always pay a priority bill.

 

dx

 

 

 

[unclebulgaria67]

Yes they can default you based on estimated usage.

 

Yes they can add debt collection charges, as this will be contained in the terms and conditions for the account.  But they cannot represent a form of penalty, so you can complain about the amounts, if you feel that they more than cover their costs.

 

Have you contacted the energy company regarding the smart meter issue ?.  I presume you mean that you have a smart meter, but it is not working. 

 

And presumably you were paying by Direct Debit, but had to stop paying due to financial issues ?  Would suggest that you contact the energy company to explain the issues and to ask for their help. 

 

 

[Andyorch]

With “non-credit accounts” such as telecoms bills, utility bills or home rental payments, your credit score is only likely to be affected if you fall into serious arrears by way of a CCJ being recorded.

 

A default can only be placed on your credit score on credit accounts which are covered by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 pursuant to sec87(1)