EDF Debt Collectors – Should you Pay?

Are you puzzled by a letter from Fulmar Services about EDF debt? Are you unsure about where the debt came from, if you should pay, or even if it’s real? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place for help.

Every month, more than 170,000 people come to our website for advice on debt issues similar to this. We’re here to help you understand:

• Who EDF Energy Debt Collectors are.
• How to ask for proof of your debt.
• Ways to possibly write off some EDF debt.
• How to pay EDF Energy if you can.
• What to do if you can’t afford your EDF energy bills.

Research shows that 64% of UK adults find interactions with current debt collectors stressful¹. So, we know it can be scary when you get a letter about debt.

But remember, just because you’ve got a letter doesn’t mean you have to pay. We’re here to guide you through your options and help you decide what to do next.

Let’s get started.

Ask for proof of debt.

When first making contact with EDF Energy, it’s important to request for proof of the debt that you owe.

If they don’t have proof of the debt then they are unable to demand payment or threaten you with court action. This may be a good first course of action, especially if you are in any way unsure about the debt owed. 

Download the “prove it” debt letter template we created to communicate your request with EDF Energy effectively.  

How can you pay EDF Energy?

If you can afford to pay the amount owed straight away, then this will be effective in clearing your debt immediately.

If, however, this isn’t an option, EDF Energy offers a Pay As You Go instalment plan for those who are struggling to pay their debt.

This agreement allows you to pay back any overdue payments in smaller amounts over an agreed period of time.

Additionally, if you currently pay one big bill every three months, you may find it easier to change your payment plan so you are paying a smaller amount once per month. You can find more information about payment plans for EDF Energy here.

If you fail to keep up with the agreed plan, EDF Energy will begin the debt recovery process, and you will receive a letter in the post outlining what you owe.

Remember that if you’ve missed a payment, EDF Energy will call and send letters. The easiest way to stop them from contacting you is by talking to them and offering to pay what you can.

What to do if you can’t afford your energy bills.

In 2022, arrears on household bills increased by 68% from £1,739 to £2,920². So, it’s common for people to struggle to pay. If that’s your case, and you can’t pay your energy bills, don’t worry. There are several actions you can take.

As aforementioned, you should seek out alternative payment plans with your supplier.

This can make payments more manageable and stop you from falling behind – this is something offered by EDF Energy.

In some cases, energy suppliers may try to force you to install a prepayment meter. This is an arrangement that means you pay for energy before actually using it. This only happens in exceptional circumstances when an agreement can’t be reached or you continually fall behind on payment plans. 

The Daily Record recently featured our comments on dealing with debt collectors who attempt to forcibly install a pre-payment meter.

This insight may provide you with additional information on how to navigate these challenges effectively.

It may also be possible to apply for grants or schemes offered by certain energy companies that essentially mean you don’t have to pay the full amount of your bill over a period of time. Charitable schemes are also in place for those who are in serious need of help with their energy bills.

» TAKE ACTION NOW: Fill out the short debt form

Typical Debt Collection Process

Understanding the debt collection process is crucial when dealing with EDF Energy or any debt collection company. That’s why we’ve put together this table that explains the key stages and actions involved. If you’d like to learn more, please read our specialized guide.

Can you get your energy debt written off?

As one of the biggest outgoings for any household, energy bills can easily become too much. It is possible to dispute energy debt and potentially get it written off.

You shouldn’t bank on this however, it is important to understand exactly what your situation is and whether this may be an option for you. 

Thousands have already tackled their debt

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Staying On Top Of Your Debts

One of the hardest parts about being in debt is that the industry isn’t at all transparent.

One common tactic used by Debt Collectors is contacting you under multiple names and addresses.

Sometimes, it’s for practical reasons, but even then it can be confusing and intimidating. So it’s important to try to keep a level head and research what’s going on. 

Some of the biggest debt collectors in the UK operate under multiple names. 

• Robinson Way will sometimes contact you under the name Hoist Finance. 
• Cabot Financial Group recently bought Wescot Credit Services
• Credit Style communicate as both Credit Style and CST Law. 
• Lowell Financial also owns Overdales and collects debts under both names. 

In fact, in the case of PRA Group, they’ve been known to use multiple company names. As you can see in the image below.

If you’ve been contacted by a debt collector recently, it’s worth going through your post and emails to check that you haven’t missed anything, just in case they’ve started writing to you under a different name.

EDF Debt Collectors Contact Details

References

1. Indebted Debt Collection Survey
2. StepChange Personal Debt Statistics in Scotland 2022