Q.  I have a huge electricity bill after the last cold snap. I’m worried about getting into arrears with my bills. What are my options?

14.03.10

Most utility companies will only cut off supply as a last resort when all other arrangements with you have failed. You should contact your supplier as soon as possible. They can agree a plan for you to repay your bill that will take into account your income and personal or family situation. Don’t make arrangements to repay amounts that you know you cannot afford. That may only make your situation more difficult.

ESB Customer Supply have agreed a code of practice on fuel debts with the Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA). It outlines supports available to social welfare recipients who are having difficulty paying their bills. If you cannot pay your bills because of exceptional circumstances you may be able to get a payment from the Health Service Executive (HSE). However, arrears on a bill alone do not usually count as an exceptional need – your family’s situation will be taken into account. Contact your local Community Welfare Officer. If you are a vulnerable customer (for example an older person or someone with special needs) you should sign up to the special services register, which ensures that disconnection due to non-payment of arrears will not occur during the winter months. Older people and some social welfare recipients may also be eligible for the Household Benefits Scheme which includes free electricity units. If none of the above works and you are faced with disconneciton you should contact the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), Letterkenny, Tel: 074 9129909 and Buncrana, Tel: 074 9321856.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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