Energy regulator Ofgem is consulting on a proposal for landlords to pay energy bills for tenants who move without paying.
The consultation suggests some £6 billion in utilities debt comes from tenants who move without paying up.
Tenants who refuse to give information to utility firms and then don’t pay are covered in the consultation by the euphemism “lack of engagement”.
A key justification for putting the onus on landlords to pay instead is revealed in this key paragraph from the consultation:
“Lack of engagement by consumers is a significant factor in rising levels of energy
debt. The current process can leave suppliers unaware of who is responsible for a property for extended periods of time, creating uncertainty over billing and
liability. Suppliers are often required to undertake resource-intensive
investigations to determine responsibility retrospectively, relying on evidence that
may be incomplete or unavailable.”
The consultation suggests landlords be responsible for giving gas and electricity suppliers details of tenants moving out – and if the tenants don’t settle up, the landlords foot the bill.
The consultation closes on December 9 and you can see the full 52 page proposal here: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consultation/proposed-moving-home-process-guidance
