Don't Pay UK: Expert weighs in on alternative ways to oppose energy giants
The UK’s energy price cap is set to skyrocket by 80% in October, adding thousands to the outgoings of many who are already struggling.
While then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £400 yearly discount for households in May, this will barely touch the sides as the annual cap now sits at £3,554 (although some will pay more than this based on their home and usage).
In response to these rapidly increasing costs, an advocacy group called Don’t Pay UK was set up to urge consumers to boycott their bills, with the aim being to bring down energy giants.
The group is demanding that energy prices be lowered, pledging to cancel direct debits for gas and electricity from October 1 in a ‘mass non-payment strike’.
There’s a precedent for similar acts of civil disobedience being successful: 17million people refused to pay the newly-introduced Poll Tax in 1990, leading to its removal the following year.
But for those on pre-payment meters, vulnerable people who can’t risk energy supply being cut off, and those who’d be negatively impacted by a hit to their credit score, it’s not an easy decision.
Suppliers typically have automated systems in place when people fall behind on bills, meaning there’s often little negotiation room to push back on automatic consequences.
As an alternative – and in lieu of robust government support – it’s been suggested on social media that there may be a way to retaliate against industry giants that doesn’t come with as much risk.
#dontpayuk
Claiming to be a former employee of an energy company, @hellscape_yt posted a video on TikTok explaining the method, which involves complaining to your supplier and then the ombudsman.
He says that, once a complaint is lodged with the supplier, they are unable to take debt collection work on your account and your bill will be ‘paused’.
After a period of time you’ll receive a ‘deadlock letter’ and the claim will be escalated to the Energy Ombudsman, with the energy provider being charged £500 for every complaint made – even if it isn’t upheld.
‘Everybody raise complaints,’ he urges. ‘Absolutely overwhelm their systems.’
The creator adds: ‘You’re going to cost them a hell of a lot of money, you’re going to cost them a hell of a lot of time. The admin costs are going to go through the roof – this is how you hurt an energy company.’
Unfortunately, this also is not a watertight plan.
Consumer rights experts Martyn James tells Metro.co.uk: ‘There isn’t a £500 admin fee for looking at a complaint, but ombudsmen generally charge case fees of varying amounts depending on the sector that a business is obliged to pay. This seems to be the threat mooted by some campaigners.
‘But you have to have a valid complaint to go to an ombudsman, so you’ll need to demonstrate that you’re unhappy about an incorrect bill, or the firm has failed to offer you help for financial difficulties.’
For that reason, Martyn states: ‘I don’t believe that objecting to the cost of energy will be in the Ombudsman’s remit, ultimately.’
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t complain if you have an issue. If you’re in financial difficulty you should notify your provider who is required to offer help – if they don’t, you can then go the Energy Ombudsman.
‘If you think your bill is wrong, make that the focus of your complaint,’ says Martyn. ‘If you can’t afford it and they’ve refused to help you or are making things worse, then that’s a valid complaint too.’
He continues: ‘If you get a response from the business and you are still unhappy, then you can take your complaint to the Energy Ombudsman for free.
‘Make it clear to the business that you expect them to take no action against you while the matter is looked into by the Ombudsman.
‘Don’t just stop paying your bill. Pay what you can afford and make sure the firm knows that you are doing so.’
Boycotting gas and electricity bills could have the desired effect if enough people play ball. But pre-payment meter customers and society’s most vulnerable don’t have that option, and may be severely harmed by loss of power and mounting debt.
Whatever you do, avoid burying your head in the sand. Keep your supplier informed of your situation, cut down on usage where you can, and reach out for extra help if you need it.
Support with energy bills
If you’re struggling, Citizens Advice provides a list of grants and benefits to help you pay your bills.
Those on pre-payment meters can also access support, and certain groups are entitled to funds to heat their homes.
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