Fuel Rights Handbook 20th editionChapter 8: Disconnection for arrears1. When you can be disconnected for arrears When the supplier can disconnect – electricity
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When the supplier can disconnect – electricity
Contract suppliers can only disconnect for arrears if the contract says so. If you are threatened with disconnection, check your contract carefully.
With any remaining tariff customers, a tariff supplier may disconnect your supply if you have not paid all charges due in respect of your electricity supply1Sch 6 paras 1 and 2 EA 1989; Sch 4 UA 2000 within 28 working days after the date of the bill or other written request to pay.2Sch 6 paras 2(3) EA 1989; Sch 4 UA 2000
You must be given at least seven working days’ written notice of the intention to disconnect3Sch 6 paras 2(2)(b) EA 1989; Sch 4 UA 2000and cannot be disconnected for any amount which is ‘genuinely in dispute’.4Sch 6 paras 2(2)(a) EA 1989; Sch 4 UA 2000 ‘Charges due’ include any amounts for the electricity supply to any premises, including standing charges, meter provision, the provision of an electrical line or plant, or sums due under a green deal plan.5Sch 6 paras 2 EA 1989; Sch 4 UA 2000 They do not include other charges such as those for credit sale agreements or for repositioning/adapting a meter for a disabled person.6Sch 6 para 27 EA 1989; Sch 4 UA 2000
Your supplier might attempt to wrongly include charges for periods when supply was disrupted and was not reconnected in a reasonable time. Check carefully that you are only being asked for the arrears for which you are liable.
Charges due can only be properly established on the basis of a meter reading. Estimates cannot be used, and you should not be disconnected on the basis of an estimated bill. However, you must ensure you pay the amount you agree you do owe; otherwise there is an increased risk that you may be disconnected. The supply can be cut off at the premises to which the bill relates.7Sch 6 para 1(6)(a) EA 1989 Failure to give the required notice of disconnection is an enforcement matter. Contact Citizens Advice consumer service for advice urgently if you think your supplier intends to disconnect your supply.