npower not setting up my account properly

nelsons_column

Hi there,

Quick summary of my situation with NPower at the moment (elec only, no gas in the flat)

June 2008 - decide to switch to npower, as they appeared to be cheaper

November 2008 - after much previous correspondence over the preceding months, finally get confirmation that npower will take over from E-on as our providers on Dec 24 2008

Jan - Mar 2009 - have phoned npower a few times, each time I essentially have the same conversation with them.
I have not had an account number generated yet, for some reason setting up my account is 'stuck' in their computers, so by their systems, they cannot bill me. I've phoned them three times to point this out, and after speaking to usually at least two people, and being put on hold a fair bit, they say call back in a week and an account number will be sorted. Predictably, that is not the case.

So I remain unbilled for three months (plus have yet to receive a final bill from E-On, despite both parties receiving meter readings on the switchover date of 24 Dec).

Now, my concern is of suddenly receiving threatening letters in x months time demanding a lot of money in one go. So my question is essentially - will I be able to barter with npower to a) reduce the amount owed owing to their incompetence, and b) agree a sensible repayment plan
As I suspect their initial conduct will be to wade in with threats of bailiffs and the courts etc, judging by previous cases in the media.

Does anyone have experience of knocking a few quid off their bill owing to utilities companies being rubbish? Can anyone direct me towards appropriate consumer acts and so on, so that I can quote my rights to their debt collecting dept when they finally come knocking?

Cheers for any advice!
Mike

Premier_2

Suppliers have up to 12 months to bill you.

You have to pay what you consume within that time.

Put the money in a savings account and pocket the interest (albeit very small at the mo'.)

nelsons_column

So if they dont bill me within the year, it gets written off? Is that really the case?

Am certainly putting the money away for when they do get around to it.