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Refuse to pay movement
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I’ve just been reading about the latest wave of civil disobedience regarding the imminent energy price rises.
A significant amount of people have pledged that they will not pay energy bills after October 1st.
I’d imagine that some couldn’t pay if they wanted to.
Energy companies are warning that people who don’t pay will end up with a poor credit rating!
To quote the famous Thomas of Essex, what’s going on here? |
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Bit like the fuel protests, there’s a lot of noise but there will be very little action.
They’ll make a choice, either they go freezing in winter or they pay up. And as much as I detest energy companies doing what they’re doing, I’d rather stay warm.
As for their credit reports, it won’t end there. It’ll be debt collectors. CCJ’s etc. |
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I read about this today on LinkedIn. It is an interesting concept as it could be considered as the general public taking industrial action against the energy companies. Let's face it, we are powerless to do anything a whichever colour of government we vote in, they will always be on the side of big business. The refuse to pay idea is in its embryonic stage, but I can see it getting a lot of support. It will be interesting to see where it goes. |
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"I read about this today on LinkedIn. It is an interesting concept as it could be considered as the general public taking industrial action against the energy companies. Let's face it, we are powerless to do anything a whichever colour of government we vote in, they will always be on the side of big business. The refuse to pay idea is in its embryonic stage, but I can see it getting a lot of support. It will be interesting to see where it goes. "
In the early 90’s wh we n I was a youngster I was lucky enough to turn 18 just as Margaret thatcher introduced the poll tax.
I never paid a penny of it to this day.
A lot of people did the same which ultimately ended in the prime minister resigning after there were riots in London.
My credit report survived just fine. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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People can't afford it, the bills are crippling and people genuinely have to choose which bill they can and cannot pay, is tragic for a supposed leading 1st world country.
I plan on stopping my direct debit, I understand I will lose a discount but rather they send me a bill and I can settle up than them relying on my money for cash flow to fund their business and drive their profits. Now, my £200 a month isn't going to make much difference but I can't do much else.
Also we need to be more vocal on renewable energy, those companies making vast sums selling their product as 100% green when they know and put in the small print that they cannot guarantee any energy used is green due to the national grid system. These companies should be forced to remove this from their marketing as it is misleading or forced to reduce their prices in line with production costs of renewables. Studies have suggested this could be around half of what companies are charging at the moment, even as much as 1/4 of the cost of what we are currently being charged per KWH.
Fuck them all. |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
Many won't be able to pay, anyway.
As a political point, it's probably easier for those who know they'll be able to cover the arrears when they have to.
For the energy companies to take it seriously we'd need to know how many people refusing and how many are unable to pay.
I'm more than a little agitated at the idea that £2.2bn has to be spent to bailout Bulb. Why isn't that sort of sum considered as nationalisation, and moving the security to the state, and any profits?
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"
In the early 90’s wh we n I was a youngster I was lucky enough to turn 18 just as Margaret thatcher introduced the poll tax.
I never paid a penny of it to this day.
A lot of people did the same which ultimately ended in the prime minister resigning after there were riots in London.
My credit report survived just fine. "
There's a big difference between not paying a private company like a utility company and not paying the council your council tax or previously poll tax. If you don't pay council tax they will get a liability order at the magistrates court and can send the debt to bailiffs, but it will never pass this information to credit score agencies.
A utility company will tell credit agencies if they pass your debt to the bailiffs |
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By *os19Man
over a year ago
Edmonton |
As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive. |
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"
In the early 90’s wh we n I was a youngster I was lucky enough to turn 18 just as Margaret thatcher introduced the poll tax.
I never paid a penny of it to this day.
A lot of people did the same which ultimately ended in the prime minister resigning after there were riots in London.
My credit report survived just fine.
There's a big difference between not paying a private company like a utility company and not paying the council your council tax or previously poll tax. If you don't pay council tax they will get a liability order at the magistrates court and can send the debt to bailiffs, but it will never pass this information to credit score agencies.
A utility company will tell credit agencies if they pass your debt to the bailiffs "
You can be put in prison for refusing to pay your council tax. That’s the biggest difference! |
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"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive."
Our son had one and it was more expensive |
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"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive."
They are the most expensive way to buy energy. |
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"
In the early 90’s wh we n I was a youngster I was lucky enough to turn 18 just as Margaret thatcher introduced the poll tax.
I never paid a penny of it to this day.
A lot of people did the same which ultimately ended in the prime minister resigning after there were riots in London.
My credit report survived just fine.
There's a big difference between not paying a private company like a utility company and not paying the council your council tax or previously poll tax. If you don't pay council tax they will get a liability order at the magistrates court and can send the debt to bailiffs, but it will never pass this information to credit score agencies.
A utility company will tell credit agencies if they pass your debt to the bailiffs
You can be put in prison for refusing to pay your council tax. That’s the biggest difference!"
True, but you were talking about credit rating.
It's very rare that people are sent to prison for non-payment of council tax, though it does still happen occasionally |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive."
Yes, they are considerably more expensive. All part of our glorious poverty premium. It's all Vimes Boots.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive."
Yes, pre pay rates are higher
Also there's only one tarrif, so you can't fix rates or get discounts etc |
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By *ayTVTV/TS
over a year ago
North Yorkshire |
What the utility companies are averse to telling you is that you can opt for a variable direct debit.
They email you for your meter readings on a monthly basis and then take the used actual amount via DD.
If you fail to send the meter readings on time however, they will revert to their "estimation"
This way you only actually pay for what you use |
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Without nationalising the utilities and then the government charging us at cost, it's the only way to stop it happening, the system (debt collectors, courts, bailiffs) couldn't handle 30-50 million people not paying and it would cripple the utility companies.
But the issue is the fear no-one else will so you'd be on your own.
The board of directors will still get their bonuses and move into other over paid directorships elsewhere with bonuses not based on success but just for being there, shareholders will jump before the accounts are filled, or quarterly figures are issued, so no punishment for them. |
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By *ase4122Man
over a year ago
Lancashire |
"I’ve just been reading about the latest wave of civil disobedience regarding the imminent energy price rises.
A significant amount of people have pledged that they will not pay energy bills after October 1st.
I’d imagine that some couldn’t pay if they wanted to.
Energy companies are warning that people who don’t pay will end up with a poor credit rating!
To quote the famous Thomas of Essex, what’s going on here?"
It's not that they won't pay, it's about paying by direct debit. The movement is about cancelling direct debits so the big companies don't make the interest off of the payments. If you were to submit your meter readings monthly it is no where near the estimates that the companies are guestimating.
Mine went up to 280 quid, however from taking actual readings it's more like 150.
So that's the idea behind the movement.
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
"I’ve just been reading about the latest wave of civil disobedience regarding the imminent energy price rises.
A significant amount of people have pledged that they will not pay energy bills after October 1st.
I’d imagine that some couldn’t pay if they wanted to.
Energy companies are warning that people who don’t pay will end up with a poor credit rating!
To quote the famous Thomas of Essex, what’s going on here?
It's not that they won't pay, it's about paying by direct debit. The movement is about cancelling direct debits so the big companies don't make the interest off of the payments. If you were to submit your meter readings monthly it is no where near the estimates that the companies are guestimating.
Mine went up to 280 quid, however from taking actual readings it's more like 150.
So that's the idea behind the movement.
"
Excellent clarification and practical action for those on standard meters. I can't see how it can work for smart meters. |
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"I’ve just been reading about the latest wave of civil disobedience regarding the imminent energy price rises.
A significant amount of people have pledged that they will not pay energy bills after October 1st.
I’d imagine that some couldn’t pay if they wanted to.
Energy companies are warning that people who don’t pay will end up with a poor credit rating!
To quote the famous Thomas of Essex, what’s going on here?
It's not that they won't pay, it's about paying by direct debit. The movement is about cancelling direct debits so the big companies don't make the interest off of the payments. If you were to submit your meter readings monthly it is no where near the estimates that the companies are guestimating.
Mine went up to 280 quid, however from taking actual readings it's more like 150.
So that's the idea behind the movement.
"
Mine just bill me for what I use now |
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"What the utility companies are averse to telling you is that you can opt for a variable direct debit.
They email you for your meter readings on a monthly basis and then take the used actual amount via DD.
If you fail to send the meter readings on time however, they will revert to their "estimation"
This way you only actually pay for what you use"
I have smart meters so they know what I use and bill
Me |
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The energy companies have had alot paying more than they use during the warmer months to "build credit up" but just think about the amount of interest they have been getting from all that money sat there. |
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By *os19Man
over a year ago
Edmonton |
Thank you to everyone that reply & quote me to confirm that pre pay keys / cards are more expensive. As I said in my earlier post I believe that if we stop paying our direct debits and bills we will be cut off and when the power is turned back on we will find ourselves on a key / card with even higher bills. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"its an essential just pay for it... people will go out and spend £100 getting plastered at a weekend and not bat an eyelid.. "
Some people like to rub their scrotum on a cheese grater. It has fuck all to do with this. |
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By *valon7Woman
over a year ago
Lancaster |
"I’ve just been reading about the latest wave of civil disobedience regarding the imminent energy price rises.
A significant amount of people have pledged that they will not pay energy bills after October 1st.
I’d imagine that some couldn’t pay if they wanted to.
Energy companies are warning that people who don’t pay will end up with a poor credit rating!
To quote the famous Thomas of Essex, what’s going on here?"
I will pay what I can afford to pay.Legally,as long as you pay something towards your energy bills,the companies cannot disconnect you. |
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I don't actually mind having credit as mine pay good interest. However er, as I said on another thread they find try to up my dd to over £500  . A long chat and that moronic suggestion was abandoned. |
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By *ase4122Man
over a year ago
Lancashire |
"What the utility companies are averse to telling you is that you can opt for a variable direct debit.
They email you for your meter readings on a monthly basis and then take the used actual amount via DD.
If you fail to send the meter readings on time however, they will revert to their "estimation"
This way you only actually pay for what you use
I have smart meters so they know what I use and bill
Me"
Don't rely on a smart meter being 100% correct.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"
I will pay what I can afford to pay.Legally,as long as you pay something towards your energy bills,the companies cannot disconnect you."
I don't know if this is true or not but I was wondering if that would make for a more effective protest.
For people to pay what they'd been previously paying prior to the increases instead of not paying at all.
In truth I doubt it'll make much difference. Their profits are massive and not enough people will do it to bother that. |
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By *dwalu2Couple
over a year ago
Bristol |
"
I'm more than a little agitated at the idea that £2.2bn has to be spent to bailout Bulb. Why isn't that sort of sum considered as nationalisation, and moving the security to the state, and any profits?
"
Conservative politics are overtly about nationalising losses while putting profits into private pockets. This is what people have voted for. |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
"its an essential just pay for it... people will go out and spend £100 getting plastered at a weekend and not bat an eyelid..
Some people like to rub their scrotum on a cheese grater. It has fuck all to do with this."
|
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Was it not BP that announced a huge profit yesterday? I don't have any shares but any of you here with BP shares must be rubbing your hands  "
Nearly 7 Billion profits in the second quarter of the year  It’s absolutely disgusting |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Thank you to everyone that reply & quote me to confirm that pre pay keys / cards are more expensive. As I said in my earlier post I believe that if we stop paying our direct debits and bills we will be cut off and when the power is turned back on we will find ourselves on a key / card with even higher bills."
I think you missed the clarification that people cancel their DDs - they still pay their bills. They still pay what is owed. I do this now as I had to cancel my DD due to the energy companies incompetence and lies. |
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"Was it not BP that announced a huge profit yesterday? I don't have any shares but any of you here with BP shares must be rubbing your hands
Nearly 7 Billion profits in the second quarter of the year It’s absolutely disgusting "
I was thinking of asking who on here might have BP shares but then thought I better not |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Was it not BP that announced a huge profit yesterday? I don't have any shares but any of you here with BP shares must be rubbing your hands
Nearly 7 Billion profits in the second quarter of the year It’s absolutely disgusting "
It is disgusting. Mansions are expensive to heat. So many rooms.  |
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"
In the early 90’s wh we n I was a youngster I was lucky enough to turn 18 just as Margaret thatcher introduced the poll tax.
I never paid a penny of it to this day.
A lot of people did the same which ultimately ended in the prime minister resigning after there were riots in London.
My credit report survived just fine.
There's a big difference between not paying a private company like a utility company and not paying the council your council tax or previously poll tax. If you don't pay council tax they will get a liability order at the magistrates court and can send the debt to bailiffs, but it will never pass this information to credit score agencies.
A utility company will tell credit agencies if they pass your debt to the bailiffs
You can be put in prison for refusing to pay your council tax. That’s the biggest difference!
True, but you were talking about credit rating.
It's very rare that people are sent to prison for non-payment of council tax, though it does still happen occasionally "
Yes, can’t pay and you’ll be fine, but refusal to pay will guarantee porridge. |
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By *htcMan
over a year ago
MK |
Even if they don't pay, the companies won't care. They will just send in the debt collectors.
The only way to get something done is a national strike, no work done anywhere. Every one simply refuse to go to work. The government would actually do something |
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By *ugby 123Couple
over a year ago
Forum Mod O o O oo |
"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive.
They are the most expensive way to buy energy."
This is what I find unsavoury, if someone is struggling to pay their bills so they go on a pay as you go term, why charge them more for it |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Even if they don't pay, the companies won't care. They will just send in the debt collectors.
The only way to get something done is a national strike, no work done anywhere. Every one simply refuse to go to work. The government would actually do something"
They might want to but they couldn't because everyone would be on strike |
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By *ugby 123Couple
over a year ago
Forum Mod O o O oo |
Although I think it is a good idea to make a stand...people will still have to pay, they will just send bills out instead, then debt collectors if you don't pay that, so I am not sure this is the way to go |
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"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive."
Just that so you might as well turn you fuse box of on the 1st if every one done it. It would have an impact but how is going to do it in reality.
I guess you can live with out lighting and heating but cooking and hot water is to much the norm and how is going to power down there router or not charge a phone.
I guess you could run a small solar system to power router and change phone.  |
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"Even if they don't pay, the companies won't care. They will just send in the debt collectors.
The only way to get something done is a national strike, no work done anywhere. Every one simply refuse to go to work. The government would actually do something"
I only get paid for what I do so I'll still be working as need to pay bills. Wife is nurse and there not aloud to strike.  |
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By *hirleyMan
over a year ago
somewhere |
Whenever these things arise the intention they are created to tackle never gets resolved or changed and the vultures that cotton on to these things encourage it for their own means and benefit |
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By *afewordMan
over a year ago
Newcastle |
"
I plan on stopping my direct debit, I understand I will lose a discount but rather they send me a bill and I can settle up than them relying on my money for cash flow to fund their business and drive their profits. Now, my £200 a month isn't going to make much difference but I can't do much else.
"
So, it really wouldnt be wise to just cancel direct debits, the whole 'they can't prosecute everyone' etc is really dangerous, if you don't pay, it can really badly affect credit scores and in some cases get you black listed for 6 years.
There's a way to 'protest' which is safer.
So, if you raise a complaint with your energy provider, saying your bills are too high, they have to persue it. They will offer you a small discount to get rid of you and close the complaint down, but persist and take it to the ombudsman, for each complaint the energy company receive it costs them something like £500, they can only have so many complaints open before they get huge fines and they have to resolve each one. It also over loads their systems and creates chaos for them.
The ombudsman complaint protects your credit rating, I think your payments are stopped in order for them to investigate. Read up on it and do it the right way without getting into more financial bother. |
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By *otMe66Man
over a year ago
Terra Firma |
I don't think energy resellers would last 1 bill cycle if their customer base refused to pay, but they don't control the energy prices.
How long and how many people not paying their bills would it need to put the energy owning companies under pressure?
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I already cancelled my DD as they removed DD discounts iv worked out what i use and pay 25 over that per month they wanted to put my dd up by 170 so i said a big fuck you im in charge mofo for now anyway |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Just to throw another spanner in the works... if you're an e-on customer you're paying the french people all your money. The french had a 4% increase this year!!!! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Just to throw another spanner in the works... if you're an e-on customer you're paying the french people all your money. The french had a 4% increase this year!!!! "
eon are ze germans
Edf is the french
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By *iger4uWoman
over a year ago
In my happy place |
"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive."
Its well known that the pay as you go system is atva higher charge than a standard meter |
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By *ucka39Man
over a year ago
Newcastle |
The general population needs to stick together stand it's ground and have a full scale walk out support each other in the public sector so it shocks the government with something unexpected and having to act.it created havoc when they were going to stop YTS free training and various things every town city people were matching the streets |
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By *ucka39Man
over a year ago
Newcastle |
"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive.
Its well known that the pay as you go system is atva higher charge than a standard meter"
You pay for the rent of the meter it comes off but unless you track your usage you don't realise it's few pounds per month |
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By *hirleyMan
over a year ago
somewhere |
I don't know what the best alternative is, but in my view encouraging more to not using the energy at all (boycott) or limit its use for essential, is probably better way to suffocate company profit. Yes although painful initially, far less painful than ccjs and bailiffs. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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If people don't pay their energy bills they are going to end up in serious difficulties unless of course they put the money aside but I don't think many will.
It will have to be paid back eventually. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I don't know what the best alternative is, but in my view encouraging more to not using the energy at all (boycott) or limit its use for essential, is probably better way to suffocate company profit. Yes although painful initially, far less painful than ccjs and bailiffs. "
But the thing is you pay a standing charge whether you use electricity/gas or not. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Unfortunately energy is something we have to pay for, one way or another.
Energy prices depend alot on the daily price of oil, as that goes up it's beyond anyone's control. That's why Russia is always mentioned, because the war and drop in supply to EU is putting up oil prices, which in turn effects energy.
Even China's war games in the seas around Taiwan will effect on global oil price. Until this stuff calms down and the global economy grows after covid it won't get better. But so many counties are facing recessions.
What's going on here guys? |
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I think it would also spook investors.
If someone is sitting on 30K shares in an energy company and the customers stop paying, that's going to mean less profit for the investor come dividend time. Most sensible investors would pull their holdings. Which then causes mass selling as the rest panic too.
The end result is the company are paralysed and would most likely collapse. If they cannot service their debts, they become insolvent due to lack of liquidity/cash flow.
Government have to step in to bail them out. Taxpayer's money is used to do so.
More public services need "pruning" to pay for it.
So it's a case of cutting off your nose to spite your face, and the inability and/or refusal to pay will have unintended consequences elsewhere.
If I was an investor. I'd be eyeing alternative means of heating homes which use other fuels to do so. I foresee a lot more wood-burners being purchased sometime soon (and prices of these will go up considerably), as will wood logs.
Coal too. Basically anything you can get easily and can chuck in a wood-burner to burn will be a good investment to speculate in. |
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By *hirleyMan
over a year ago
somewhere |
"I don't know what the best alternative is, but in my view encouraging more to not using the energy at all (boycott) or limit its use for essential, is probably better way to suffocate company profit. Yes although painful initially, far less painful than ccjs and bailiffs.
But the thing is you pay a standing charge whether you use electricity/gas or not. "
Yeah I know it's not a great solution, I forgot to mention there's still a nominal fee per day, think mines about £20 a month, but that's better than whatever is going on with that don't pay campaign. I'm almost certain it's funded with an interest in people going into bad credit. It's a terrible idea, because many will follow along and think it means free energy bills. |
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By *ase4122Man
over a year ago
Lancashire |
"I don't know what the best alternative is, but in my view encouraging more to not using the energy at all (boycott) or limit its use for essential, is probably better way to suffocate company profit. Yes although painful initially, far less painful than ccjs and bailiffs.
But the thing is you pay a standing charge whether you use electricity/gas or not.
Yeah I know it's not a great solution, I forgot to mention there's still a nominal fee per day, think mines about £20 a month, but that's better than whatever is going on with that don't pay campaign. I'm almost certain it's funded with an interest in people going into bad credit. It's a terrible idea, because many will follow along and think it means free energy bills."
The don't pay movement isn't about not paying per say and going into debt, do some research.
It's about cancelling direct debits so the energy companies can't make the interest off of direct debits. |
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You’ll get your credit history screwed for 6 years
Then they’ll put you on a prepaid meter
Then sell off your debts to debt collectors who are very good at getting the money
It’s idiotic to think that if enough people don’t pay the company will buckle.
This is a dangerous movement and people are being sold a story that nothing bad can happen.
Don’t take part in this |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
Oh no. A poor credit rating!!!!!! I guess they’d best put the food shop back then….
I’m from a poor background, energy bills would have been the last thing to be paid. |
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"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive.
Yes, they are considerably more expensive. All part of our glorious poverty premium. It's all Vimes Boots.
"
Pre pay always hits the poorest in society and I wish it was reviewed by government |
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By *yron69Man
over a year ago
Fareham |
I delay every payment to the criminal polluters that are Southern Water. Sewage into protected waters. Yes we've paid for waste water treatment only for them to empty it into waters killing wildlife and endangering human health. Gits |
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I read about this too and found it interesting. Would it not be better to protest outside the energy companies and parliament, and apply pressure that way?
Something does need to happen - I don't know what, but something does need to happen.
People power  |
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I'm on top up. Once it's used its used. No top ups = no gas or electric so non payment would only hinder me.
"Used" a tenner in gas in a week n half.
Ain't even turned the oven or heating on and my shower is electric. Literally heated the water for cleaning and hand washing on my 2 days off.
I'll be using the kettle from now on instead. |
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"I'm on top up. Once it's used its used. No top ups = no gas or electric so non payment would only hinder me.
"Used" a tenner in gas in a week n half.
Ain't even turned the oven or heating on and my shower is electric. Literally heated the water for cleaning and hand washing on my 2 days off.
I'll be using the kettle from now on instead."
I may be wrong but from figures seen looks to me that the biggest hike is on the standard charges paid and particularly the electricity one. That's why whilst being careful on usage is good but that's why has bern and there will still be a big increase as everyone pays the standard charge irrespective of how much you use unfortunately. Its a minefield |
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By *otMe66Man
over a year ago
Terra Firma |
"I'm on top up. Once it's used its used. No top ups = no gas or electric so non payment would only hinder me.
"Used" a tenner in gas in a week n half.
Ain't even turned the oven or heating on and my shower is electric. Literally heated the water for cleaning and hand washing on my 2 days off.
I'll be using the kettle from now on instead."
The point that people on a top up would instantly be cutting themselves off, is something that I hadn't considered.
Thinking about it now I know this, wouldn't the energy provider simply put any none paying customer onto a top up meter ASAP? |
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"I'm on top up. Once it's used its used. No top ups = no gas or electric so non payment would only hinder me.
"Used" a tenner in gas in a week n half.
Ain't even turned the oven or heating on and my shower is electric. Literally heated the water for cleaning and hand washing on my 2 days off.
I'll be using the kettle from now on instead.
The point that people on a top up would instantly be cutting themselves off, is something that I hadn't considered.
Thinking about it now I know this, wouldn't the energy provider simply put any none paying customer onto a top up meter ASAP? "
No idea how easy or expensive they are to fit, but yeah, I could see it being a thing. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
If they cut people off, or the prepay meters turn off. They don’t get money.
They want money! So of course it will hurt them regardless of prepay or not.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"Or perhaps a mass switch where everyone moves to just one provider?
That would challenge the 'market' and facilitate potential renationalisation."
Yep that’s a good idea  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"If they cut people off, or the prepay meters turn off. They don’t get money.
They want money! So of course it will hurt them regardless of prepay or not.
"
But if someone is pre pay they literally will not be able to heat their home, Cook or turn the lights on. There will also still be the standing charges which means the people will end up with debt on their metres. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"I'm on top up. Once it's used its used. No top ups = no gas or electric so non payment would only hinder me.
"Used" a tenner in gas in a week n half.
Ain't even turned the oven or heating on and my shower is electric. Literally heated the water for cleaning and hand washing on my 2 days off.
I'll be using the kettle from now on instead.
The point that people on a top up would instantly be cutting themselves off, is something that I hadn't considered.
Thinking about it now I know this, wouldn't the energy provider simply put any none paying customer onto a top up meter ASAP?
No idea how easy or expensive they are to fit, but yeah, I could see it being a thing."
They have been doing this for years. If people are in severe arrears they can come and install a metre I know somebody this happened to about 10 years ago. They then put the debt on the metre. |
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We've just asked our supplier to reduce our monthly payments by over £20 a month for each of gas and electric. We just submitted meter readings and we had nearly £500 credit on the gas account!!!!! Ridiculous! Our monthly DD payments went up almost 60% in April and if they carry on putting it up so much without necessity, we WILL stop the DD and just pay the bills on receipt. |
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By *urvySub87Woman
over a year ago
Near Wellingborough |
"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive."
I'm on a key in a 2 bed cottage. I put £45 on a month. It'll probably be a bit more in the winter but I doubt that it will be triple figures |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"If they cut people off, or the prepay meters turn off. They don’t get money.
They want money! So of course it will hurt them regardless of prepay or not.
But if someone is pre pay they literally will not be able to heat their home, Cook or turn the lights on. There will also still be the standing charges which means the people will end up with debt on their metres. "
Yes. That’s how it works. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive.
I'm on a key in a 2 bed cottage. I put £45 on a month. It'll probably be a bit more in the winter but I doubt that it will be triple figures"
We live in a one bedroom flat on a kimetres and we at the moment are only topping up for both about £30 to £40 a month. This is similar to what I paid when I lived in a one bedroom house And pay a bill. |
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"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive.
I'm on a key in a 2 bed cottage. I put £45 on a month. It'll probably be a bit more in the winter but I doubt that it will be triple figures
We live in a one bedroom flat on a kimetres and we at the moment are only topping up for both about £30 to £40 a month. This is similar to what I paid when I lived in a one bedroom house And pay a bill. "
Lorna, until we just requested reductions, our DDs had been set to £115 and £113 a month. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive.
I'm on a key in a 2 bed cottage. I put £45 on a month. It'll probably be a bit more in the winter but I doubt that it will be triple figures
We live in a one bedroom flat on a kimetres and we at the moment are only topping up for both about £30 to £40 a month. This is similar to what I paid when I lived in a one bedroom house And pay a bill.
Lorna, until we just requested reductions, our DDs had been set to £115 and £113 a month. "
I know I was specifically talking about prepayment metres and when I had the bills was about 3 years ago so of course it's all changed in price. Also property type and number of people in the property will also make a difference to how much each person's bill is. |
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"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive.
I'm on a key in a 2 bed cottage. I put £45 on a month. It'll probably be a bit more in the winter but I doubt that it will be triple figures
We live in a one bedroom flat on a kimetres and we at the moment are only topping up for both about £30 to £40 a month. This is similar to what I paid when I lived in a one bedroom house And pay a bill.
Lorna, until we just requested reductions, our DDs had been set to £115 and £113 a month.
I know I was specifically talking about prepayment metres and when I had the bills was about 3 years ago so of course it's all changed in price. Also property type and number of people in the property will also make a difference to how much each person's bill is. "
Those were based on a 3 bed house with 2 adults and 1 child. The Boy Wonder plus GF hadn't boomeranged home at the point they were set. Nearly £500 credit on the gas! The cheek of it |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive.
I'm on a key in a 2 bed cottage. I put £45 on a month. It'll probably be a bit more in the winter but I doubt that it will be triple figures
We live in a one bedroom flat on a kimetres and we at the moment are only topping up for both about £30 to £40 a month. This is similar to what I paid when I lived in a one bedroom house And pay a bill.
Lorna, until we just requested reductions, our DDs had been set to £115 and £113 a month.
I know I was specifically talking about prepayment metres and when I had the bills was about 3 years ago so of course it's all changed in price. Also property type and number of people in the property will also make a difference to how much each person's bill is.
Those were based on a 3 bed house with 2 adults and 1 child. The Boy Wonder plus GF hadn't boomeranged home at the point they were set. Nearly £500 credit on the gas! The cheek of it "
I do think people need to check what kind of credit they have and do as you have done. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
Our direct debit is well over double our bill at the mo but I figure the credit will still only partially cover the winter bills after they hike the prices again... and then again.
Seems best to let them keep it as the robbing bastards will be getting it soon enough anyway. |
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"Our direct debit is well over double our bill at the mo but I figure the credit will still only partially cover the winter bills after they hike the prices again... and then again.
Seems best to let them keep it as the robbing bastards will be getting it soon enough anyway."
There's no way we're going to eat fully into a £495 credit while paying £113 a month till October then what, an extra 50-60% extra again then? Not unless we turn all the radiators up to max and start a sauna |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Our direct debit is well over double our bill at the mo but I figure the credit will still only partially cover the winter bills after they hike the prices again... and then again.
Seems best to let them keep it as the robbing bastards will be getting it soon enough anyway.
There's no way we're going to eat fully into a £495 credit while paying £113 a month till October then what, an extra 50-60% extra again then? Not unless we turn all the radiators up to max and start a sauna "
You may not.
I'm not so confident about us |
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"Our direct debit is well over double our bill at the mo but I figure the credit will still only partially cover the winter bills after they hike the prices again... and then again.
Seems best to let them keep it as the robbing bastards will be getting it soon enough anyway.
There's no way we're going to eat fully into a £495 credit while paying £113 a month till October then what, an extra 50-60% extra again then? Not unless we turn all the radiators up to max and start a sauna
You may not.
I'm not so confident about us "
There's 4 adults and a child in this house at the moment and I'm still sure we wouldn't use all that, while continuing to pay £113 a month AND the costs increasing further in October.
My dad (a single pensioner) was asked to pay ridiculous sums in DDs from April, my brother had to argue big time for them to be reduced because there's just no way he needed to pay so much.
I do think a lot of people on DD are now massively overpaying during the summer months. |
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By *mp411Man
over a year ago
chester |
"Government needs to step in and help the most vulnerable
Plenty of money about to pay £778 million for the commonwealth games, £130 million for EU referendum and £27 million jubilee celebrations
And who can forget so far £77 billion to Ukraine, £2.2billion illegal immigrants per year £240 million to the Queen (estimated net worth of £77 billion) and don't start on the theft of taxpayers money from polititans
"
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By *mp411Man
over a year ago
chester |
"Government needs to step in and help the most vulnerable
Plenty of money about to pay £778 million for the commonwealth games, £130 million for EU referendum and £27 million jubilee celebrations
And who can forget so far £77 billion to Ukraine, £2.2billion illegal immigrants per year £240 million to the Queen (estimated net worth of £77 billion) and don't start on the theft of taxpayers money from polititans
"
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"As much as I would like not to pay my feeling is that I would eventually be cut off and when the power is turned back on instead of me paying my bill when it arrives I find myself on a key / card meter which you can top up in shops sort of pay as you go.My understanding is these are more expensive anybody on these pay as you go key / cards are they willing to confirm if they are on aren’t more expensive.
They are the most expensive way to buy energy.
This is what I find unsavoury, if someone is struggling to pay their bills so they go on a pay as you go term, why charge them more for it "
I'm on pre payment keys for both gas and electic. I know its more expensive. I know I pay more than if had a DD or bill. I know some will say "well just put aside what you would use to top up each month". I also know though of I wasn't I would maybe put the heating on more in winter, have it on little earlier, maybe turn it up a degree if chilly, have the bath a bit hotter or shower a bit longer. The only reason I do is so I only use what I can afford. On cold days or in winter as soon as my kids in bed I turn off all radiators apart from their rooms, in the mornings they come on half hour before they up and then off all day again until half hour before home. Yes it's definitely more expensive but I also worry if billed I would think " oh keep it on a bit longer" " have a warmer bath" " cook your dinner when you want your hungry later" "have a quick blast of the electic fan" ect. God knows how much all these prices are gonna go up, but I don't wanna get a bill for 100's I've got to try and get together for a bill or a DD when it's a struggle thst month. As said, yes I in the low income bracket amd its the only way I can cope. So why am I penalised? |
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"I’ve just been reading about the latest wave of civil disobedience regarding the imminent energy price rises.
A significant amount of people have pledged that they will not pay energy bills after October 1st.
I’d imagine that some couldn’t pay if they wanted to.
Energy companies are warning that people who don’t pay will end up with a poor credit rating!
To quote the famous Thomas of Essex, what’s going on here?"
This wont work but I know what will.
If everyone stops using there electricity at a certain time at high peak demand.
if this happens there boards are going to be screaming at them as there will be no demand and all there doing is pilling on more and more power and its going no where.
This can crash the whole electricity grid.
Same as if everyone suddenly turns back on all at the same time demanding a huge electricity supply all at once.
Same result it will fully crash the electricity grid.
Its the wrong time on this post wants to be at tea time when its the highest surge ( demand )
You will find it under this
bigissue.com/news/activism/what-is-the-big-power-off-and-what-could-it-mean-for-your-energy-bills/
Europeans did it and they crippled there network grid and it crashed |
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One way out of this is. Have a fixed price for energy, an average rounded down usage allowance per house over that you pay am higher price, it might encourage energy saving per household if it was cheaper to purchase if used less.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"One way out of this is. Have a fixed price for energy, an average rounded down usage allowance per house over that you pay am higher price, it might encourage energy saving per household if it was cheaper to purchase if used less. "
That would be so difficult though because every house is different in energy efficiency, Size, Occupancy. Just impossible to make it fair. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
Terrible state of affairs,hard working folk will be struggling.I stay rural Highlands in old cottage and storage heaters will have to stay off and just rely on the woodburning stove.Whats worse is there is a few windfarms within a 10 mile radius all around me !! |
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"This wont work but I know what will.
If everyone stops using there electricity at a certain time at high peak demand.
Europeans did it and they crippled there network grid and it crashed"
No they didn't. Only Spain has tried it, and it had no noticeable effect. |
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Talking about other European countries, it's interesting to read what other countries are doing to support their citizens. Some like France have stepped in forcing energy providers to limit rises and others have introduced a huge tax on profits made by such companies and passing it to customers. Norway are safeguarded customers from any big increases by paying 80% of the total bill. I hope that our government steps in with some more effective and sustainable measures rather than just what has been done so far which if predictions are right will be just a drop in the ocean. There isn't an easy answer but something more needs to be done to stop this charade of big energy suppliers making obscene profits whilst ordinary people suffer like this. |
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By *adyJayneWoman
over a year ago
Burnleyish (She/They) |
"I’ve just been reading about the latest wave of civil disobedience regarding the imminent energy price rises.
A significant amount of people have pledged that they will not pay energy bills after October 1st.
I’d imagine that some couldn’t pay if they wanted to.
Energy companies are warning that people who don’t pay will end up with a poor credit rating!
To quote the famous Thomas of Essex, what’s going on here?
It's not that they won't pay, it's about paying by direct debit. The movement is about cancelling direct debits so the big companies don't make the interest off of the payments. If you were to submit your meter readings monthly it is no where near the estimates that the companies are guestimating.
Mine went up to 280 quid, however from taking actual readings it's more like 150.
So that's the idea behind the movement.
Excellent clarification and practical action for those on standard meters. I can't see how it can work for smart meters."
If it's a post pay smart meter... Exactly the same.
A smart meter doesn't mean you're on prepayment. |
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By *ohn KanakaMan
over a year ago
Not all that North of North London |
If people cancel Direct Debit and part pay it makes escalation very problematic for the provider.
If you have an active complaint (however tenuous) it creates work for the provider and makes escalation impossible.
Not paying just means they'll slap you on a prepayment metre (though there are exceptions to that as the metre has to be easily accessible), there are far smarter ways to inconvenience them |
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It is a shame we are not retired yet, as doing the sums, it would be cheaper to have an October to March holiday in Gran Canaria in accommodation where you have utility bills included in the long term let. This would probably be cheaper than living in the UK all winter and paying sky high energy prices....and all the money you save you could spend on swinging clubs! |
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