[meldrewreborn]

@Frustrated

When somebody dies their liability ceases. The account balance (and only that) in their name is the responsibility of the person's estate and that will be administered by somebody (or several people in tandem). The liability from that death going forward is a separate entity in my mind. Hence a new account with the supplier. In essence its similar to the fact that the deceased's bank accounts are frozen and an executor/administrator is best advised to open a new account in the title of "executor in the estate of X" to deal with receipt and payments of money. It probably will be the responsibility of the same people. But where any debit or credit on the deceased's account will be included in the Estate figures, which might have to be reported for IHT or probate purposes depending on value and other factors, the ongoing energy usage is not and its solely a matter for the Executor/administrator to deal with in their task of distributing the residue to the beneficiaries.

And yes a change of supplier is possible, subject to normal limitations.

[Frustrated]

@meldrewreborn I don’t disagree with the facts you have made. But the new account opening is certainly a no no in my opinion as I said this would make the executor personally liable

[meldrewreborn]

@Frustrated

But executors are indeed liable under the trustee acts for their administration of the estate. That includes everything to do with the estate. That's why its an onerous task.

If a named executor is not comfortable with the duties they can resile and pass the task to another. Or they can let a solicitor handle the more complicated stuff.

[Frustrated]

@meldrewreborn yes your correct there liable as an executor, not personally liable they are completely different things

[Beki]

Please see our updated FAQ over on the E.ON Next website.

[Teddy]

@Beki_EONNext

OP here.
Glad that Eon Next have now posted clear information for bereavement on their website.
The drama continued even after my mother's house was sold a year on. After notifying the sale online and providing the closing reading, I received a personal reply thanking me, saying the account had been closed.
Then, a few weeks later a bill arrived for usage and charges for the month following the date of sale.

[Bennie_R97]

Hi @Teddy, I am so sorry you still had trouble with this. Did you manage to get it sorted now ?

[ClaireL]

Hi

Sadly my father-in-law has just passed away. The energy account is in his name. My mother-in-law will continue to live at the address. How do we transfer the account into her name?

Many thanks,

Claire