We hope you are keeping well during these unprecedented times and you may be asking what happens to my Electric, Gas, Water and Telecoms contracts?
Hopefully we can answer some of your questions as we understand these are extremely challenging times for most businesses in the UK and around the world. As we have clients from across all the business sectors in the U.K. we have been receiving numerous and varied questions which we have consulted with all the suppliers, where we can, and have drawn up some of the questions and there answers below which hopefully you will find helpful:-
Q Can you help me suspend or terminate our utility contract?
A Unlike domestic contracts and according to OFGEM regulations, it is only possible to cancel a commercial (Non-domestic) contract under very specific conditions such as a permanent business closure or change in business premises. If this happens please contact us immediately for advice on how to proceed. We do not have the authority to make any specific arrangements with your utility company for you but we may be able to help and advice on the negotiations you will need to have. We will use all our endeavours to help in any way we can by using our established relationships with the suppliers.
Q What can I do to reduce my bills whilst we close or slow down?
A Whilst part of your bill is for non-commodity charges, the usage element is significant and where your usage has dropped because of forced closure or reduced occupancy this will in turn reduce your bill accordingly. If you are able to get your meter readings to the supplier to evidence your lower usage, please do so as this will help reduce your bill significantly.
Q Can I get my security deposit back to help my cash position?
A Where you have been previously been asked to place a security deposit with the supplier unfortunately, they are most likely going to hold onto this until the end of your contract. Especially during these times. Some suppliers may return part or all the deposit if you have stopped using the premises and therefore you will only be paying the standing charges and some small usage due to the closure. You will have to make a direct request to your supplier for this to happen but if you need help please ask us for help.
Q Should I cancel my Direct Debit or Standing order?
A We know many of our clients might have cash flow issues during these times and some of you will be tempted to cancel your current payment plans. Our advice is not to cancel Direct Debit and Standing orders. Instead talk to your supplier and us and make sure you send in meter readings (actual or estimated) to reflect your reduced consumption. If the situation is presented in a structured way to the supplier, they will look to adjust your payment plan. If you just cancel your payments the supplier could look to take legal action or even look to disconnect your service. Suppliers would prefer not to take this action so please communicate with them. We will of course help in any way we can to help you through these difficult times.
We have asked a number of suppliers a couple of specific questions: –
Q What (if any) measures are in place from the energy suppliers to enable clients to adopt some form of ‘payment holiday’?
A This was met with a plethora of replies although all inferred the answer “no”. Some suppliers have stated that they may consider reviewing on a case by case basis, but most suppliers have stated that their own cashflow is also impacted and it’s not viable for them to receive reduced payment unless the government steps in with specific guidelines.
Q What happens if the client’s premise is closed for business and they cannot receive their bills through the normal postal system?
A Most supplier have the option for email/online billing so please ensure you set this facility up with them. If you need help setting this up, please contact us.
On a more positive note you may be able to take advantage of the low energy rates that are currently available now! If you are due for renewal in the next 24 months, we may be able to get you a great deal with your current or even new supplier. If you want, we can do a free no obligation quote for you to see what can be done. Just send us your latest invoice and we will do the rest.
If you have any questions about any of the above please do not hesitate to call me on 07810717304 or email me at dawn@utilinet-yorkshire.co.uk
I would be happy to conduct a face to face Zoom with you too.
Wishing you all the best through these unusual times and look forward to hearing from you soon.