Priority Debt: Gas and Electricity
If you are behind on your gas or electricity bills, this is a priority debt. Your supplier could install a prepayment meter or, in rare cases, disconnect your supply. Contact us for free advice on your rights and options.
Falling behind on energy bills
If you are struggling to pay your gas or electricity bills, you are not alone. Energy debt is a priority debt because if you do not pay, you could be disconnected from your supply or have a prepayment meter installed. It is important to get advice quickly so we can help you understand your rights and explore your options.
Protection from disconnection
Your supplier cannot disconnect you in certain situations. If you have reached State Pension age, your supplier cannot disconnect you between 1 October and 31 March if either:
- You live alone
- You only live with other people who have reached State Pension age or children under 18
What happens if you fall behind
Your energy supplier must follow a process before taking serious action. You have rights at every stage:
1. Initial contact and arrears
If you miss a payment, your supplier will contact you to discuss the debt. They must offer you an affordable payment arrangement.
2. Prepayment meter installation
If you cannot pay, your supplier may install a prepayment meter to recover the debt through a deduction from every top-up. You should get advice before this happens, as you may be able to negotiate a better arrangement.
3. Debt collection agency
If you ignore letters, the debt may be passed to a debt collection agency, which acts on behalf of the supplier to recover the money.
4. Third-party deductions (Fuel Direct)
If you receive benefits (such as Income Support or Universal Credit), your supplier can apply to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deduct payments directly from your benefits.
5. Legal action or disconnection
As a last resort, your supplier can apply for a court warrant to disconnect your supply, though this is rare. They must give you notice: seven days for gas, or seven working days for electricity.
The earlier you get advice, the more we can do to help.
Get help
- Email us at info@youthlegal.org.uk
- Call us on 020 3195 1906
- Fill in our contact form and we'll get back to you
All our advice is free and confidential. You can also check your options at Citizens Advice or Ofgem.