‘'Don’t Pay’ - local Citizens Advice responds to growing energy payment strike campaign

 

Citizens Advice Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford has issued a statement in response to the growing ‘Don’t Pay’ campaign - a movement urging millions to join the mass non-payment strike when energy bills rise again on 1 October. 

Steve Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at the Citizens Advice in Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford says: 

A man sits in a work van, looking at a paper bill

“We’re hearing from people every single day facing desperate choices because they’re struggling to pay their energy bills and we understand why some people may feel they’re running out of options. 

We’d always encourage people, as a first port of call, to contact their energy supplier because they have to help you come to a solution. 

Try to come to an agreement that works for both of you, whether that’s reducing your payments in line with what you can afford or finding a way to pay off any debts you’ve built up. 

If you’re worried, and need support because you’re in debt or need support making contact with your energy supplier because you’re worried about making payments, we’re here to help.”

“It’s important to be aware of what will happen if you choose to stop paying your energy bills.

If you cancel your direct debit, you might be charged a fee.  Check your supplier’s website to find out what this might be.  It’s also likely that if you move from direct debit to a different payment method you will end up paying more, as direct debit is often the cheapest option.

When you build up arrears to your energy supplier they can take action like moving you onto a prepayment meter or, in rare cases, they could disconnect you. 

There are clear rules around this though.  Your supplier can’t make you move to prepayment if it wouldn’t be safe or practical; for instance if an illness or disability means you’d be at risk if your gas or electricity was cut off.

Your supplier also needs to follow clear guidance and make sure they’ve given you notice, given you time to pay any debts and offered you alternatives to being moved onto a prepayment meter.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that energy debts could affect your credit rating which may impact your ability to access lending in the future.  Paying via prepayment meter is also likely to mean you pay more for your energy.”


If you need more advice or practical support with your energy bills, please contact Citizens Advice Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford.

Advice is available by freephone, WhatsApp and in person, or you can visit our website where you’ll find specific information on what to do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills.



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For more information contact: Hayley Wright, Communication and Engagement Manager - hayley.wright@casort.org


Notes to editors:

  • We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem.

  • Steve Hughes is the Chief Operating Officer for Citizens Advice SORT Group, the parent company of the local Citizens Advice services in Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford.  More information can be found here.

  • Locally, we help tens of thousands of people with their issues, helping them find a way forward via online content, phone, WhatsApp, and face to face advice.

Hayley Wright