Smart Meter

Creditor Guide: British Gas

British Gas is one of the largest energy and home services providers in the United Kingdom. With rising energy costs still very much part of the conversation when it comes to debts, it’s no surprise that more people are finding it impossible to pay escalating bills. 

The Importance of Priority Bills

Keeping on top of your household bills should be your number one priority. These are classed as things that could make you homeless and take away services you need to live comfortably. 

These include: 

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Gas

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Water

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Electric 

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TV licence 

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HP/Secured Loans 

If British Gas is your energy supplier, you must try to pay your current usage and any outstanding debt you owe them as a priority. 

British Gas Debt Help

If you are in debt to British Gas, the first thing you should do is contact them so you can pay it back in manageable instalments. If you are in financial hardship, you can explain your situation to them, and they will try to find a solution for you. British Gas also offers hardship grants up to £1,500 through the British Gas Energy Trust. They have eligibility criteria which you can check on their website here, but if you are in or facing fuel poverty it’s worth checking to see if you can get some help.  

Your Credit Rating

If you don’t pay your energy bill you could damage your credit rating, making it harder to borrow money in future. You can avoid this by either paying your bill on time or letting them know as soon as possible and they will give you an alternative arrangement. 

British Gas Debt Collection

If you owe British Gas money and they can’t get hold of you, they may pass your details to a debt collection agency. If they do, it may result in you facing extra charges on your bill. They have a list of possible charges you may incur on your bill if it remains unpaid and passed to a debt collection agency.

Possible Charges

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£13 to cover the extra cost of debt collection

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£7 to pass your details to a debt collection agency  

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£39 for visiting your home 

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£28 for admin fees and for passing your account to a debt collection agency to recover your final bill 

Help With Your Energy Bills

If you’re struggling to keep up with paying your energy bill, look at the British Gas Energy Trust to see if you are entitled to a grant or emergency fuel credit. They also provide free resources to ensure you’re getting the support and benefits you are entitled to. 

If you are already in debt due to the rising energy bills, we can help. We offer free, confidential, no-obligation debt advice any time, day, or night via our online debt advice tool. Or if you would prefer to speak with one of our expert debt advisors, you can call us on 01925 599400 or email info@angeladvance.co.uk