Elderly father unpaid electric bill shock

Try engage with them on his behalf they may arrange a payment plan to cover the arrears and cover future bills by paying a monthly amount.

You have some hope engaging with them otherwise there is a chance of disconnection at some point I don’t know but I doubt they will let the bill increase indefinitely

Could you get a loan and maybe use portion of his pension to pay this to clear the arrears and going forward monitor the bills direct debits etc

Contact MABS they might be able to offer advice

Look at Code for Vulnerable Customers, could be some assistance

What about a loan to pay it in off?

maybe contact st Vicente de Paul and explain the situation.they may be able too help

If he's living in two rooms, it's hard to see how he's really racked up such a massive bill. Pay as you go is far more expensive, yet clearly it was nothing like that amount or the OP wouldn't be so shocked by it.

Now maybe it's been from the "confusion" that was mentioned, but that sounds like he might be doing something dangerous. Either way, it's not something to be "sorted" by just getting a loan as though the problem were just that he temproarily overspent.

I think CAB or even social services might be a good place to start.

I'd still check the meter reading. I live in a large rural house and the monthly bill is €100-€150 depending on time of year.

Check the unit rate too.

Considering he would have got the energy credit, this level of arrears is not making sense.

Maybe family members can use credit cards or make a regular contribution to clear the outstanding amount.

If usage was estimated, you will find it is overestimated.

It’s important to find out how this actually arose and make sure there is no major problem with the meter and that the large bill is accurately correct. €2000 could be a few years use for an elderly person.

I think you should suggest to them that he repay it over 208 weeks. If they don’t accept that bring it to the regulator. I think they will give you at least 104 weeks.

I would suggest he start paying an extra 10 euros per week right away.

OP, how long have the bills gone unpaid? We run a 3 bed house with an electric car and it would take over a year to run a bill of that size up. Considering the government were paying money into people's electricity accounts over the last year, 2k seems very high. Can you get historical bills from EI to review them?

Is he entitled to the Household Benefits Package? His energy allowance can go as credits towards his electricity bill.

if he is over 70 he is entitled to the Household Benefits Package. It is not means tested and helps with the cost of your electricity or gas bills. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/extra-social-welfare-benefits/household-benefits-package/

If he goes to MABS they can arrange a payment plan THAT HE CAN AFFORD with Electric Ireland. MABS will take everything into account and act as an advocate for your father.

Electric Ireland are dealing with MABS hundreds of times a week if not a day and this is the route to go. I used to work for MABS and this scenario was common place especially with older people. Also he can be registered as a "vulnerable person" if he has any medical needs and will therefore never be disconnected. https://www.electricireland.ie/docs/roi-residential-footer---customers-with-special-needs/2615_ei_vulnerable_cust_reg_form_a4_cofovc0518_v5.pdf?sfvrsn=9e47be0d_22

If I was you I would take over the utility payments. I would open a new account with a new provider and a new name on the account - as if I was a new tenant.

The previous provider will still come after the father for arrears but this can be repaid at tuppence a week. No chance of any disconnection happening.

If he has a 2000 watt electric heater on 24/7 then thats could be costing 15 euros day in electricity.

900 in a 2 month bill just for that heater in a worst case scenario.

He probably turns it off going to bed, but it could still be on for 10 to 15 hours a day

Thats an option but I think it's silly. The op needs to engage with them (with permission) and come to an arrangement.

If it's electric Ireland, they are a ripoff. I just moved an 80 year old away from them who was payin 32 plus vat per unit. I challenged them on the phone and they offered 29c plut 50 quid cashback. I scoffed. I just moved her to flogas certa electric deal as featured in boards bargain alerts, 23 per unit inclusive. Her bill has dropped 33%

Wanna bet? I was shocked when I saw her bill I nearly choked. She has no gas, lives isolated and sits on an electric fire all day.

Electric Ireland ripping off an 80 odd year old who doesnt think to shop around. You can see the calculations of discounts they offered when I intervened. Both standing charges 79c

Flogas certa deal courtesy of boards. EI are robbing fecks.

I'm sorry to hear this. They will definitely not cut him off. I'd guess his bills are estimated which are always over charged in Electric Irelands favour. Submit a metre reading to them and it should be adjusted. Also contact the Vincent de Paul they will help him pay it. In Electric Irelands defence they will accept a payment plan ask to speak to a manager. Failing all that make a complaint to CRU they will basically order them to accept a payment plan. Good luck to you and your Dad.