Edf - suspicious behaviour over setting of d/d

Geoffo_M

My friend received her quarterly bill from EDF this morning. They informed her that they are going to take the outstanding balance of £157 from her bank account - and also increase her direct debit from £45 up to £70!

I investigated the last year's usage. All meter readings are actual, and as she had an outstanding balance of £143 at Jan 08, I concluded it's not unreasonable for EDF to want to claim the £157 immediately. But how they arrive at a d/d of £70 is a mystery. I calculated her annual usage at curent prices and this comes to £590 including VAT - monthly, it works out at £49. Even if they included the o/s balance in error (ie trying to take it twice), it would only work out at £61. Do they just pluck a higher than needed figure out of thin air and hope the customer won't notice. It smacks of sharp practice to me.

Jubbs

I'd say challenge it, email them your figures on how you have calculated it and ask them to justify it. Any decent company would have no problems doing so.

If your friend doesnt like the way they try and claim outstanding amounts all in one go either email edf again and ask if their is an alternative or switch to a supplier that doesnt do this.

If you have what their annual consumption is feel free to post them with current prices and discounts and I'l check them for a second opinion if you want.

Geoffo_M

Jubbs wrote: »

I'd say challenge it, email them your figures on how you have calculated it and ask them to justify it. Any decent company would have no problems doing so.

If your friend doesnt like the way they try and claim outstanding amounts all in one go either email edf again and ask if their is an alternative or switch to a supplier that doesnt do this.

If you have what their annual consumption is feel free to post them with current prices and discounts and I'l check them for a second opinion if you want.

Thanks Jubbs - her total day units for the last year were 3,508 and night units 1,160. Current rate for first 900 units is 20.25p, balance at 12.41p. Night units are charged at 4.86p. She gets an £8 discount for paying by d/d and I make it a total of £582 (inc VAT).

One other question, I see that EDF have an "Energy Assist Social Tariff" entitling those who qualify to 15% discount. But I can't find out how you qualify. Any ideas?

Jubbs

I agree with the total based on the figures given, however you need to check edf have the same annual usage information.

The criteria for Energy Assist is http://www.edfenergy.com/toolkit/documents/R627-Energy-Assist-TandC.pdf