The regulator Ofcom have told energy suppliers that they can now go ahead and chase unpaid bills, but for now they cannot be aggressive in claiming the debt.
Families have benefited from coronavirus related payment holidays, and bailiffs will not be knocking on doors for until 24 August.
From 24 August bailiffs will be allowed to knock on doors of those who owe money for unpaid debts such as parking fines, council tax, mortgages, credit card repayments, and energy bills.
Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley said in a letter to energy suppliers, “We recognise that suppliers cannot extend unlimited credit to customers – nor is this in customers’ interests overall – and we anticipate suppliers will begin to restart debt management activities that may have been paused during the immediate crisis.”
Brearley said that they must take into account the ability for their customers to be able to repay the debt.
He said, “We will not tolerate sharp practice or aggressive debt collection and suppliers could face enforcement action where this is the case.”
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