What are Utilities?
Utilities are a generic term for providers of basic services such as electricity, natural gas and water to your home.
How should you deal with Utility debt?
You should contact your supplier immediately if you have any ongoing concerns about your debt to them. They will usually try to help you find a solution to your debt. If you cannot afford a payment plan that has been proposed by your supplier, you may try to negotiate a better deal, especially if you have struggled to make repayments.
Repayment plans
If you are beginning to struggle with utility costs you should call or write to your supplier as soon as possible to arrange a repayment plan. You will need to provide information such as what you can afford. If you cannot agree on a repayment plan with your supplier, they may insist on you having a prepayment meter installed, these have an element of paying back a debt built-in as well as making sure that no more debt accrues, on most prepayment meters there is an emergency button that allows a very small amount of credit – this gives you time to visit the shop who sells top-ups.
Who else can help with my Utility debt?
Financial help is available from energy companies that offer grants and schemes open to their customers. You may also contact local charities, or those associated with previous employment types, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline is also very helpful.
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