to set up a dd you need a current account (I think it needs to be a cheque account)
if they say no .... best is probably call in to a branch if possible (a call centre will take ages) tell then what is needed ... and take it from there
You don't actually set up a DD with a bank. The payee (in this case the electricity company) sets it up to get money from your account. Contact the electricity company and they will be happy to set it up I am sure. Unless, as the other answers say, she has a savings account.