Can my fuel supplier disconnect me?

This information applies to Northern Ireland only

Your fuel supplier can't cut you off without sending you a disconnection notice first. They can't send you a disconnection notice until at least 28 days after they send your bill. They must give you at least seven days notice, in writing, before they disconnect you.

In practice, it's unlikely you'll be disconnected, as long as you can pay for your fuel and agree to pay something off towards the arrears.

If you do get a disconnection notice, you should contact Consumer Direct on 0800 121 6022.

If you can't pay your bill, contact your supplier straight away. You should be offered an arrangement to pay off the arrears at a rate you can afford. If you can't afford to pay off the arrears in this way and you want to keep your gas or electricity supply, you may have to accept the instalment of a prepayment meter.

A prepayment meter will allow you to pay a fixed amount off your arrears at the same time as paying for the fuel you're currently using.

Some groups of customers may have extra protection from being disconnected. This may apply to you if you:

• are of pensionable age
• have long-term ill-health
• are disabled
• have severe financial problems.

If you're in one of these groups of people, make sure the fuel company knows this when you get in touch with them.

You can find more information about the steps a fuel supplier must take before disconnecting you on the website of the Consumer Council at: www.consumercouncil.org.uk.

For more information about fuel arrears, see Fuel costs and saving money.

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