What happens if I stop paying my energy bills?
Energy Debt: Protections You Need to Know
In the UK, energy is considered an essential service. This means while you are legally required to pay for what you use, your supplier cannot simply turn off the power because you missed a bill. There is a strict legal process they must follow, and if you are vulnerable, they may be barred from disconnecting you entirely.
The Current Reality: Since the energy crisis, suppliers are more likely to push for forced prepayment meters (either by entering your home with a warrant or switching your smart meter remotely) rather than disconnecting you. This is their way of ensuring you don't build up more debt, but it can leave you without power if you can't afford to top up.
Key Protections:
- Vulnerability Rules: If you are a pensioner, disabled, or have young children, you are on the 'Priority Services Register' and have higher protection.
- Winter Moratorium: Suppliers usually do not disconnect any domestic customer between October and March.
- Ability to Pay: Suppliers must offer you a repayment plan based on what you can afford before taking enforcement action.
Use our tools below to check your disconnection risk and find emergency grants to clear your arrears.
1 The Typical Timeline
If you take no action, this is the standard statutory process. Timescales are approximate but typical for 2026.
Missed Payment
Supplier sends a reminder. No credit score impact yet. This is the best time to negotiate.
Final Demand
The debt is formalised. Supplier warns of prepayment meter installation or disconnection.
Enforcement Power
Supplier applies for a court warrant to enter your home or switches your smart meter to 'Pay As You Go' mode.
Debt Collection
If you move out with debt, it's passed to external collectors and a CCJ may be registered.
2 Free Calculators & Checks
Supplier threatening to cut you off? See if your household is legally protected from disconnection.
Disconnection Risk Checker
Find out if your supplier can legally cut off your energy.
See exactly how long you have before a supplier can force a prepayment meter or apply for a court warrant.
Energy Debt Escalation
How a missed bill turns into a prepayment meter or a CCJ.
The First Reminder
Month 1Formal Notice
Month 2Welfare Visit
Month 3Forced Prepayment
Month 4-5Debt Collection
Month 6+Stopping the clock
Agreeing a £5/week repayment plan pauses all escalation immediately.
There are millions of pounds in unclaimed energy grants. Find trust funds and schemes that can wipe your debt.
Energy Support Finder
Find grants and schemes to pay off your energy debt.
Warm Home Discount
£150Low income + high energy costs
Applied automatically for most (Core Group).
Fuel Direct Scheme
N/APeople on debt-repayment plans
Payments taken directly from your benefits.
British Gas Energy Trust
Up to £2,000Any energy customer in hardship
You do NOT need to be a British Gas customer.
Winter Fuel Payment
£200-£300Pensioners (born before 1958)
Automatic payment if eligible.
PRO TIP
Join the Priority Services Register today for free help.
Can they really cut me off?
Disconnection is extremely rare but legally possible if:
- You haven't agreed a repayment plan.
- You have refused a prepayment meter without a valid medical reason.
- The supplier has visited your home at least once to discuss the debt.
They CANNOT disconnect you if:
- It's winter (Oct-Mar) and you are of pensionable age.
- You have a disability or long-term health condition that makes it unsafe.
- The debt is for a previous tenant.
Forced Prepayment Meters
If you have a smart meter, the supplier can flip it into 'prepayment mode' with the click of a button after following the correct notice procedure.
If they want to install a physical meter, they need a Magistrates' Court Warrant. You have the right to attend this hearing and argue that a prepayment meter is unsafe for your household (e.g. if you have a medical device that needs constant power).
Summary of Options
Agree a Plan
Suppliers must accept a payment plan if you are in hardship. Even £5 a week towards arrears can stop a prepayment meter warrant.
Priority Services Register
If you are vulnerable, call your supplier to join the PSR. This gives you extra protections and priority in a power cut.
Fuel Direct
If you are on benefits, you can ask to have your energy bills paid directly from your UC or PIP to prevent further debt.
Common Questions
Will energy debt affect my credit score?
YES. If you miss multiple payments, the supplier will report a 'Default' to credit agencies. This stays for 6 years and can stop you getting a mortgage or car on finance.
What if I can't afford a prepayment meter?
If you are on a prepayment meter and run out of money, you can ask your supplier for 'Emergency Credit' (usually £10). If that runs out, ask for 'Additional Support Credit' if you are vulnerable.
Can I switch suppliers if I have debt?
If you owe more than £500 per fuel (gas/elec) and have been in debt for more than 28 days, you usually cannot switch until you pay it off or move onto a prepayment meter.
Official Sources & References
Related Situations
Other guides accurately explaining what happens next in housing .
What happens if I receive a Section 21 notice?
A Section 21 'No Fault' notice is the start of a long legal process, not the end of your tenancy. You do not have to leave on the notice date, and many notices are legally invalid.
What happens if my landlord sells the property?
A landlord selling does NOT mean you have to leave immediately. You often have the right to stay as a 'Sitting Tenant' until your contract ends.
What happens if I miss a mortgage payment?
A missed mortgage payment triggers immediate letters from your lender, but you have huge legal protections. Repossession is a last resort and often takes over 12 months.