What to do about rising utility costs.

Written by Law Express Ltd.

In response to rising energy bills, the Don’t Pay campaign quickly gained traction on social media in late 2022. Those who joined the campaign pledged to withhold payment for energy bills once one million people had signed up. The aim of the campaign was that the mass non-payment would force a reduction in energy bills to an affordable level. At the time of writing, just over a quarter of a million people had pledged that they will refuse to pay their energy bills.

With the expense of Christmas weighing heavily on many and the cold days and nights of winter, people may still be wondering whether non-payment is a viable option if they are struggling or unable to pay their energy bills in the midst of the cost of living crisis. 

Non-payment of energy bills should not be considered as an option even though the bills are increasingly unaffordable. Instead:

• You should also speak to your supplier in first instance and explain any concerns. Try to agree a repayment plan with them.
• Consider whether alternatives such as paying off a debt to your supplier, as well as for the energy you will use, from your benefits via the Fuel Direct  Scheme would be useful.
• Ask your supplier whether they have any grants or that you may be eligible for.

Non-payment could lead to:

• Instalment of a pre-payment meter
• Legal action to recover the debt
• Disconnection

We understand times are very uncertain and welcome your clients to give us a call if you wish to discuss the above further.

Tim Sainty, Membership Director at the CIPHE commented, 'Free legal advice by Law Express Ltd, is one of the many benefits we offer to our members as part of their CIPHE membership'