The supplier’s right to enter your premises
The supplier may, with your consent, enter your premises to disconnect your supply, providing it has served you with a correct notice of disconnection and has published details of Standard Licence Condition (SLC) 27 on its website (see here and Chapter 10).1Condition 27.12 SLC If you do not consent, the supplier must obtain a warrant from the magistrates’ court (or sheriff court in Scotland). The costs of the warrant are added to your bill – these are generally around £75–£110 and the supplier may also charge for expenses legitimately incurred,2Sch 6 para 2(1)(b) EA 1989; Sch 2B para 73(b) GA 1986 such as pre-warrant attendance charges and disconnection attendance. There is a large variation in the charges levied by suppliers. There is no standardised or agreed set of warrant costs across the energy industry and therefore the costs and charges levied by each supplier will differ. However, warrant-related charges and costs are capped at £150.3Condition 28.12 and 28.22 SLC Your home must be left no less secure than it was before entry. Suppliers sometimes change locks and leave a note telling you where to pick up a key. Any damage caused by legally gaining entry must be made good or monetary compensation paid. If the supplier fails to secure your premises and your possessions are stolen as a result, you can claim damages from the supplier, including for distress and discomfort as well as for expenses and loss of specific items. All losses arising out of the specific breach of contract or duty of care must be clearly pleaded and appropriate legal advice must be taken if such a claim is sought from the supplier.