How to Notify Ecotricity After a Death in the UK

How to Notify Ecotricity After a Death in the UK

To tell Ecotricity that someone has died, Ecotricity’s public support information says you can call 0345 555 7100, email accounthelp@ecotricity.co.uk, or write to FAO Bereavement Team, Freepost ECOTRICITY. Before closing the account, decide whether the property still needs an energy supply and who will be responsible for future bills.

Energy accounts are rarely just paperwork. Gas and electricity may be needed to keep a home safe, prevent damp, support a surviving resident, or maintain viewings while a property is sold. The goal is not always to close the account immediately; it is to put the account into the right status and avoid surprise debt or disconnection.

What to do before contacting Ecotricity

Gather the details that will help Ecotricity identify the account:

Detail	Why it helps
Full name of the person who died	Identifies the account holder
Supply address	Confirms the property involved
Account number if available	Speeds up the process
Date of death	Explains why the account needs changing
Your name and relationship	Shows who is handling the matter
Executor or administrator details	Useful for final bills or refunds
Meter readings	Helps produce an accurate bill

If it is safe, take gas and electricity meter readings on or near the date you take responsibility. Photograph the meters as a record. If the property has a smart meter, still ask Ecotricity whether it has the reading it needs.

Decide what should happen to the energy supply

There are three common situations.

Someone still lives in the property

If a spouse, partner, relative or tenant remains in the home, ask Ecotricity how to move the account into the right person’s name. The priority is continuity. Do not cancel the supply just because the account holder has died.

Make sure the new responsible person understands the tariff, payment method and any arrears or credit position.

The property is empty for now

If the home is empty but not yet sold or returned, energy may still be needed. Heating can protect pipes in winter, electricity may power alarms, and the executor may need lighting while clearing the house.

Ask Ecotricity how the account should be handled during the estate period. Give a forwarding address for bills and keep meter readings. If the property will be empty for a long time, check insurance requirements too; home insurance policies often have conditions for unoccupied properties.

The property is being sold or tenancy is ending

If the home is being sold, keep the account active until completion unless advised otherwise. If it is rented, coordinate with the landlord or housing provider so responsibility for energy is clear from the key return date.

Ask for a final bill based on meter readings and keep it with the estate records.

How to contact Ecotricity

Ecotricity’s public support page lists these bereavement contact options:

• Phone: 0345 555 7100
• Email: accounthelp@ecotricity.co.uk
• Post: FAO Bereavement Team, Freepost ECOTRICITY

Use a simple message:

“I’m letting you know that the Ecotricity account holder has died. I need to discuss whether the account should be transferred, kept active temporarily, or closed with a final bill.”

Ask Ecotricity to confirm what evidence it needs. It may ask for details of the deceased person, the property and the person dealing with the account. If a death certificate is requested, ask whether a scan or photograph is acceptable.

Final bills, refunds and estate money

Energy bills after a death can be confusing because usage may continue after the date of death. A final bill up to the date the account changes or closes is usually part of the estate administration process. If the account is in credit, ask how any refund will be paid and what authority is needed.

If there is money owed, do not panic and do not pay personally unless you understand why you are doing so. In many cases debts owed by the person who died are handled by the estate, not by relatives personally. If you are unsure, ask the executor, administrator or a qualified adviser.

Because this is a money-related task, keep copies of bills, readings and correspondence. They may be needed when preparing estate accounts.

Direct debits and bank accounts

If Ecotricity payments came from the deceased person’s sole bank account, the bank may freeze that account when notified of the death. That can cause direct debits to fail even if the property still needs energy.

Tell Ecotricity what is happening rather than letting payments fail silently. If someone else is taking responsibility for the property, ask how to set up a new payment method in that person’s name.

If there is a prepayment meter

If the property uses prepayment, check whether there is credit on the meter and whether anyone needs top-up access. Keep the key, card, app details or top-up method safe. If the home is occupied, make sure the person living there can top up without using the deceased person’s bank card or phone.

If the home is empty, take readings and check whether standing charges continue. Ask Ecotricity how to manage the meter while the property is unoccupied.

Use a checklist so it does not get lost

Energy accounts sit alongside council tax, water, broadband, insurance and mortgage or rent. GetPassage can help you build a practical death administration checklist, record who contacted Ecotricity, and track whether the account was transferred, left open temporarily or closed.

Key points

• Ecotricity lists 0345 555 7100, accounthelp@ecotricity.co.uk and FAO Bereavement Team, Freepost ECOTRICITY for bereavement contact.
• Take meter readings and keep photos if you can do so safely.
• Do not close the account until you know whether the property still needs energy.
• Keep final bills, refunds and payment records with the estate papers.
• If someone still lives at the property, focus on transfer and continuity rather than cancellation.