Energy supplier letter explained in English
Gas or electricity supplier. The company that sells you gas or electricity.
Letters you may get
- Bill or annual statement — what you used and what you owe
- Final demand — an unpaid bill; they may add costs or ask to fit a prepayment meter
- Change to your tariff or Direct Debit — your price or monthly payment changes
What to do
- If you can’t pay, call them and ask for an affordable payment plan. Suppliers must take your situation into account.
- If a complaint isn’t solved after 8 weeks, you can go to the Energy Ombudsman for free.
- Find the deadline. Look for “by”, “within”, “no later than”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“mandatory reconsideration”, “administrative review”, “representations”, “challenge”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “review”). See the template.
Words you may see
- final demand
- The last reminder before they take further action, for example court or a debt collector.
- Direct Debit
- Permission for a company to take payments from your bank account. Protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee.
- ombudsman
- A free, independent service that looks at complaints you couldn’t solve with the company or office.
Questions
What is the Energy supplier?
Gas or electricity supplier. The company that sells you gas or electricity.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Energy supplier?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “by”, “within”, “no later than” — they mark the deadline. In the UK, a letter sent by first class post is usually treated as delivered on the second working day after it was posted. But many deadlines, for example for appeals, count from the date printed on the letter. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“mandatory reconsideration”, “administrative review”, “representations”, “challenge”, “appeal”, “dispute”, “review”).
Can I read a Energy supplier letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in English. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in the United Kingdom
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) · Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) · Council (borough, district or city council) · Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) · TV Licensing · Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) · County Court / Magistrates’ Court / Tribunal (HMCTS) · Enforcement agents (bailiffs)