Issue with an electricity provider

Hi folks,
Dont know if this is in the correct area, but will give it a shot. Last week, my electricity provider arrived to disconnect my supply. I had forgotten to pay my bill for the last 2 months. My fault I know. However, the bill was over €600, which was made up of €300 deposit and a €100 fee for disconnection.

I ended the direct debit due to the fact that they were taking more money out than they had initially agreed to be taking per month. After I cancelled the DD, they put the €300 deposit on. I refused to pay the deposit as I dont know if they are going to go bust at any time.

To stop the disconnection, I paid them €300. I am still €300 in debt to them because of the deposit.

Is this all legal and correct? If I want to move to another supplier, can I do it with the €300 "arrears" as they call them?

The €300 deposit only applies to people who refuse to pay by DD.. typically because billing issues with these customers are more hassle than they're worth.

A deposit is taken to make sure you pay them what you owe them and you would have agreed this as part of their terms of service.

I doubt they will let you change providers as you would simply ignore the final bill they send you.

If I were you I'd give them a DD mandate so they will reapply the €300 to your account. Then switch provider and pay your final esb bill.

Thanks tenchi-fan. I bet the rest want a deposit if I refuse to use DD ? There has been loads of issues with DD's recently, and if I pay the deposit and the company goes bust I'll loose the deposit.

I Dont think there would be any worry about an electricity supplier going bust!