ENERGY bill payers are set for a big switch after EDF bought 40,000 customers from Utilita.
EDF will start receiving Utilita credit customers from Saturday, November 8.
It expects to have everyone moved across within four days.
Utilita has sold the accounts to focus more on its Pay As You Go operations.
Customers affected will receive letters detailing the next steps – and there are some important details to take note of.
There will be no interruption to energy supply and prices will stay the same during this price cap period – ending December 31.
Customers in credit will see their remaining balance moved to their new EDF accounts.
Utilita will make any Warm Home Discount payments before the switch, EDF said.
Scottish Warm Home Discount recipients will get the payment from Utilita once the company has confirmed eligibility with the Department for Work and Pensions.
Any outstanding balances must be paid directly to Utilita after they send your final bill.
If you’re worried you can’t pay your bill straight away, Utilita can help you out.
Customers paying by Direct Debit will move across automatically.
There is no need to give EDF a meter reading unless they contact you directly.
Households with older SMETS1 meters may see them switch to non-smart mode and act like a traditional meter.
Your supply won’t be affected but if you want to get it back to smart mode, visit EDF’s smart meter page and book an installation.
If you had a smart meter appointment booked with Utilita, it won’t go ahead and you’ll have to contact EDF.
EDF will send emails to customers about setting up a new online account once the switch begins.
EDF is part of EDF Group, the world’s biggest electricity generator.
The company powers more than 3 million UK homes and employs 14,000 people across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Philippe Commaret, managing director of EDF Customers, said: “We are delighted to welcome these customers to EDF.
“This agreement strengthens our long-term commitment to delivering reliable, customer-focused energy services.
“With our strong Trustpilot rating, customers can have confidence in a seamless transition and ongoing support from a trusted supplier.”
What energy bill help is available?
There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
