How does entering into an electricity contract affect credit information?

Making an electronic contract is an essential part of everyday life, but many may wonder how it affects credit information. In this article, we discuss what concluding an electricity contract means in terms of credit information and what things should be taken into account.

What are credit reports?

Credit information is information about a person’s or company’s financial situation and payment behavior. They include, among other things, information on payment defaults, credits and other financial commitments. Credit information is used to assess the reliability of a person or company as a payer.

Making an electronic contract and credit information

When you sign an electricity contract, the electricity company may check your credit information. This is a common practice, as utility companies want to ensure that customers are able to pay their bills on time. However, the credit check itself does not affect your credit negatively.

Checking credit information

Checking credit information in connection with an electricity contract is usually a routine procedure. The electricity company can check your credit information in the registers of Suomen Asiakastieto Oy or Bisnode Finland Oy, for example. This check appears in the credit information register as an entry, but it is not a negative entry.

Payment failure notes and electricity contract

If you have a non-payment notice, it can affect the conclusion of the electricity contract. In this case, the electricity company can demand, for example, an advance payment or insurance before concluding the contract. Failure to pay may also result in the electricity company refusing to enter into a contract.

Tips for concluding an electricity contract

• Verify your credit information: Check your credit information before signing an electricity contract. You can order your own credit report from, for example, Suomen Asiakastieto Oy here.
• Pay your bills on time: Avoid late payment notices by paying your bills on time. This improves your chances of getting an electricity contract without advance payments or collateral.
• Negotiate with the electricity company: If you have a non-payment notice, contact the electricity company and discuss possible options, such as advance payment or a guarantee.

Summary

Concluding an electricity contract does not in itself negatively affect credit information, but the electricity company can check your credit information when concluding the contract. Payment defaults can make it difficult to conclude an electricity contract, but negotiations with the electricity company can help find a solution. It is important to take care of your own credit information and pay your bills on time so that the conclusion of the electricity contract goes smoothly. You can find more information about credit information and how to check it, for example, on Suomen Asiakastieto Oy’s website here.