Who’s Trying to Stop the Bills, and Why it’s a Bad Idea
More than a quarter‑million Brits are gearing up to cancel their direct‑debit payments on October 1. That’s the pledge behind the so‑called “Don’t Pay” movement, orchestrated by a group of anonymous activists who claim they’re fighting back against sky‑high energy bills.
Why the Movement is Gaining Traction
- Energy prices have leapt, making it harder than ever for families to keep the lights on.
- The campaign’s social‑media message is simple: “Stop paying until the companies stop squeezing us.”
- With 75 000 people already released the “keypress” to strike, the saying “You’re not the only one fighting” rings true.
The PLUS a Big Boss Is Paying
Meanwhile, Ofgem’s chief executive, Jonathan Brearley, is earning his own hefty slice. According to reports, he’s lined up a salary of £300 000 a year and a lofty £15 000 bonus back in 2020. The irony is not lost on the people blasting him from the streets.
Brearley’s Rant
On BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Brearley dove straight into the public’s fears. He suggested that if the public takes a stand and stops paying, two disastrous things will happen:
- The cost for everyone will shoot up further.
- It will leave people who are already struggling even more in the cold.
“If you’re worried about your bill, you should get in touch with your energy company – not hold onto your money like it’s a secret stash,” the chief pressed.
“It’s a Herd, Not a Rebel”
Ofgem is basically telling folks that push‑back will backfire – not on a grand scale but on a personal one. It’s a crisis for the energy system, but an even bigger crisis for the everyday consumer.
Don’t Pay’s Frustrated Voice
The group issuing the “Don’t Pay” tweets has escalated their anger. A spokesperson said:
“This winter is going to be a disaster – we’re seeing thousands of people at the brink of freezing in their own homes. It’s only through a mass refusal to pay that we can make the industry and Ofgem pay attention to the people, not the bottom line.”
They’re basically hoping the shock of a massive roll‑back will force the power companies and the government to negotiate a fix.
It’s a Dangerous Proposition
The net effect of this is a classic “tax–payer collective action” call, but one with a painful edge—could it worsen the crisis or help it?
Final Word
Everyone’s staring at a real dilemma: stop paying and see how the bills get crazier, or keep paying and feel the weight of each month’s bill on your wallet.
Take a look, weigh the options, and tell yourself you’re not simply a consumer—you’re part of a system. In a world that’s changing fast, a careful decision can make the difference between a flurry of power cuts or an opportunity to get a chat about fair rates.
