Hello,

I have a vulnerable mother who has diagnosed mental health problems (personality disorder), and her children are on the Child Protection register because of concerns about her ability to parent her children. Mum receives CTC and IS.

A well known electricity company has taken her to court and now cut off her supply. She did not attend the hearing, and it would appear the company obtained a disconnection notice and money judgement. The company are now insisting on a lump sum of £500 before they agree to re-instate. Clearly she doesn't have this.

I am referring on to a law centre for advice on how to have the order set aside (the court did not know of the mother's mental health and parenting issues, which have been her main concern), and the energy ombudsman to begin the process of challenging the company and hopefully direct her to the right agency who can insist the company re-instates the supply (ofgem, energy watch etc.).

What else can be done immediately to have the company re-instate the supply?

I am not yet sure if she lives in RSL or LA owned accommodation. Can they bring pressure to bear if she does?

Can you ask the electricity company to reinstate the supply and install a pre-payment meter, with an amount of £3.05 (as she is in receipt of IS) being taken for the arrears each week? She can pay for her ongoing usage via the meter.

If this is agreed I would also ask the company about social tariffs for vulnerable customers, which will reduce her fuel costs by up to 20% depending on the company. All the companies have these tariffs but they are all called different things! You will need to enquire with her company.

What about direct deductions for the arrears from her IS, although this wouldn't help her to pay her ongoing usage!

Thanks for that, but its a no to the key meter as there are problems installing it and getting access to it once installed as the metre is locked away in a cupboard not accessable on a day-to-day basis.

Thanks for the tip about fuel deductions from IS, I had forgotten about that, (I have been out of welfare bens for a while now, and the memory isn't what it used to be!). Also, I had known about the social tarriffs - thanks very much for that too!

Hi
Many electric/gas suppliers now have trust funds to help clear utility debts e.g. EDF energy or British Gas
email me if you require more details

awells@carrickhosuing.org.uk

Alan

Thanks - will do!

You want Energywatch, before they're abolished says my wife (who works for Ofgem)

David