|
In
the rush and upheaval of moving to a new property it seems like a foregone
conclusion that something is forgotten. However, if that ‘something’ is your
utility bill then there could be some costly long-term repercussions.
Research from moneysupermarket.com has found that around 2.2 million Brits - 1.8
million electricity customers or 1.3 million gas customers - may have left a
property without settling their energy bills.
Obviously the new occupants aren’t going to be too keen to foot your bill.
Months could pass before your energy provider tracks you down. By this time
there could be complications over the amount you owe and questions over your
meter readings.
In
other cases, people moving into a property for the first time may forget to set
up an account. The bills still mount up – and sooner or later they will catch up
with you.
That’s why it is vital to come out of the closet now.
As
and when your energy provider realises it hasn't received payment, you could
face a bill potentially reaching thousands of pounds. Your credit rating could
also be damaged for years to come, making it difficult to obtain credit.
That’s why I strongly advise you to settle your bills - and then work out
whether you could save money by shopping around for a better deal using our
gas and electricity comparison tool.
So
what should you do?
-
If you are moving to a new property, make sure you have written confirmation
of your move date from a solicitor or estate agent.
-
Find out at that stage who your existing utilities supplier(s) are.
-
When you move in, get an accurate meter reading to that provider as soon as
possible – this will help you avoid any disputes as to who owes what.
-
If you were the one who moved out, contact your former supplier and ‘fess
up. It should be possible to agree gradual repayment of any sums owed,
avoiding a painful short-term hit to your finances.
-
To pay less overall, move to a new utilities supplier. Prices have dropped
significantly from their historic highs six months ago, making this a great
time to come forward, settle your bills and then move to a better deal.
And
don’t forget, you could even put a little cash back in your pocket for your
trouble with our £30 cashback offer for anyone who switches to a new gas and a
new electricity deal through our
comparison tool.
The key message however,
is that if you are a ‘ghost’ customer you will be busted sooner or later… that’s
why you should speak up now and move to a better deal while the rates are so
competitive.
LINKS:
Compare
prices from UK gas and electricity providers
Back to Top |
