British Gas Warrant to fit prepayment meter

[Raven1]

I don't know if you are aware but the most likely way this will play out is that a prepayment meter will be fitted; you say they already have a warrant to access your home to do that. Any outstanding debt will be set on the meter, ie it will claim so much a week for the debt in addition to your consumption. The warrant fee will most likely also be added to the debt - that will be in three figures -  and so will any additional charges incurred whilst fitting the meter -  dog handler, locksmith, etc.

 

You would not be allowed to change supplier with a debt on the account, I'm not sure at what level of debt that cuts in at these days, ten years ago it was £10 (!!)

 

I used to work in this area so don't shoot the messenger...

 

Unless you can pay this off in a lump sum the best thing for you to do now is to accept the prepayment meter.  It will cost you more in the long run if you do not.

 

BTW in my time in dealing with this - office end - meter fitters were faced with bricked up doors, snake cage built around meter, vicious dogs,  and the occasional dead body. Also a number of abandoned animals were rescued.

 

My best memory of this not very pleasant job was speaking to someone who had just fitted a meter in an abandoned property and being told he was leaving just as soon as he found something to put the abandoned goldfish in, on it's way to his tank at home...

[Raven1]

Executing a warrant is not breaking in, that is why they get a warrant of access, and if necessary they can call upon the police to assist.

 

If at the end of the day for whatever reason they cannot access your property to fit a prepayment meter, they will  simply disconnect your supply outside the property. From the best of my recollections there is a substantial charge  to get the power reconnected if that happens in addition to clearing the debt..

 

As others have suggested the most practical solution is to contact the supplier and agree to have the prepayment meter fitted. 

 

There really is nowhere else to go which will not exacerbate your situation further.

 

 

[Raven1]

You need to give them a meter read if they are using an estimated bill. 

[Raven1]

An accurate read may lower the balance - it might increase it too but at least it would be accurate.

[Raven1]

Are you sure you have received visits from debt collectors in relation to this account because as it stands it is an outstanding balance not a 'debt' and there would be no reason for it to be passed to debt collectors whilst it is still a live account.

 

To reiterate myself and others you will not be allowed to change suppliers while there is an outstanding balance on your account so this is not an option you have. Another supplier would view you as a bad risk and refuse to take you on even if your current supplier was prepared to let you go.  Energy companies are obliged to share this sort of information with each other.

 

I can only suggest you give them an up to date meter read so the balance is accurate and then agree to a pre payment meter being fitted. This is you best plan of action and will happen anyway if you do nothing, however without your agreement there will be additional charges which will run into hundreds and which will be added to the outstanding balance.

[Raven1]

Regarding the  actual warrant, sad to say these are not addressed individually, unless challenged, they are waved through in blocks of tens or even hundreds by the courts.

 

If you turned up to the court and challenged it. it *might* be delayed but essentially it would be raised again straight away and this time with all the information to hand to push it through.

 

I'm not sure if this would add further costs.

[Raven1]

Why would this affect the safety of your pets?

[Raven1]

What kind of pets do you have?

 

[Raven1]

If you have a dog, they might well need to employ a dog handler.  If you have tropical fish it would not be an immediate problem because they put a small credit on the meter when they fit it. 

[Raven1]

I answered your question. I am trying to help you.

[Raven1]

Also a rather personal question admittedly but I don't think it has been asked.

 

Do you have any money at all, savings, etc, I don't want figures just a better idea of your position.