NPower not being helpful

[animal_lover]

I contacted NPower yesturday after reading on this forum that you can get help with your bills if your on benefits. I was out of work from the 28th March 2007 - 18th February 2008 and now i'm off again since the 10th May 2008.

They eventually put me through to the referrals department for first step. the woman said that as i hadn't made a payment since August 2007 and have had two failed direct debits that all i can do is have a pre payment meter put it. But i've heard that this isn't a great idea and obviously living on statutory sick and not recieving any other help it isn't gonna be good for me if i haven't got the money to put onto the card as i have to pay £3 per wk and the rest for using

If anyone has any advice on what i can do that would be great, Thanks

[ozzywizard]

In my opinion a prepayment meter in some circumstances is the best option. The debt is not going to go away unless you can either pay it off in full or come to some kind of payment arrangement, but if you do not keep to the arrangement they will probably not set you up on a new one.It is far better to volunteer a prepayment meter than have one forced upon you costing 225 in warrant fees, sounds harsh but due to your circumstance the debt will be spread over a longer period of time being 3 pound a week. I understand what your saying about not being able to put money in on a bad week but this is were you have too manage your money so it is affordable, again like I said your not paying as much off the bill and if you miss a payment on arrangement your back to the begining and the possibility of it being passed to the courts or debt collection agency. Prepayment meters are not that bad as you do not build up any more debt.

[CSJ2K]

I agree that a pre-payment meter for some is a good way of dealing with fuel debts but it is widely accepted that this is not the most efficient way, practically or financially
.
The approach will depend on your health.

If you have a 'disability' and cannot reasonably make it to the nearest place that recharges pre-payment keys that is one argument you should make. The fuel companies have a responsibility governed by law to assist vulnerable to deal with fuel debts.

You should be able to set up a repayment agreement on the arrears you owe without any great difficulty unless you have defaulted on previous agreements.

Write a letter describing the difficulties you are facing due to your health. Include a budget plan showing how little you have left of your income after paying bills etc. and offer them a weekly payment to address your arrears.

[animal_lover]

Thanks CSJ2K,

I'll do that and see what happens