Lump-sum repayments
You should not be asked to pay lump sums of money as part-payment towards arrears conditional on you being allowed a prepayment meter; nor should you be asked to pay lump sums before being allowed to pay arrears in instalments if you are unable to pay your bill because of hardship. The supplier’s licence specifically provides that it must allow you to pay your arrears in instalments, taking into account your ability to pay.1Condition 27.8 SLC However, a supplier might demand a part-payment towards a debt before agreeing to a prepayment meter. This is contrary to the licence provisions, specifically Standard Licence Condition (SLC) 27. Refer a dispute arising from such a request to Citizens Advice consumer service.