Smart meter users could be switched to pre-payment meter for failure to pay energy bills | Personal Finance | Finance

Lewis Shaw, founder of Shaw Financial Services, therefore urged Britons to think carefully before taking a stand to not pay their energy bills, and said: “Understandably, consumers want to take a stand against energy suppliers when they appear to be boasting of record profits and bumper payouts to shareholders. 

“In contrast, hard-working Brits will have to choose between eating and heating within the next few months, so it’s unsurprising that groups are springing up advocating mass non-payment of energy bills. 

“Whilst many would love to be able to wield mass action against businesses that are bleeding people dry, the reality is the consequences of that type of action will be dire.

“Non-payment of utilities will show on a credit file, initially as missed payments, then arrears, then defaults after seven months and ultimately a county court judgment (CCJ). This means paying higher interest not just for a mortgage, if you’re even eligible, but on credit cards, loans and any other type of borrowing for the following six years.”

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