1. What are arrears

You are in ‘arrears’ of electricity or gas if you are liable to pay a bill but have not paid it on demand. This is a priority debt. You risk disconnection of your:

•electricity supply if you do not pay within 28 working days of receiving your bill;1Sch 6 paras 1 and 2 EA 1989; Sch 4 UA 2000
•gas supply if you do not pay within the 28 days following the date of your bill.2Sch 2B para 7(1)(b) and (3) GA 1986

The provisions discussed in this chapter only apply to arrears for charges due for the supply of electricity and gas, and not for any other purchases you have made from suppliers, for appliances or other services. Always check that you are liable for the arrears (see Chapter 5). If your bill is high, because of billing delays or incorrect reading of your meter, see Chapter 6. This chapter looks at the position where charges for the use of gas and electricity have been correctly incurred, but you have been unable to pay within 28 days.

 

1     Sch 6 paras 1 and 2 EA 1989; Sch 4 UA 2000 »

2     Sch 2B para 7(1)(b) and (3) GA 1986 »