Powergen chasing 7 yr debt - apparently

hunty_c

I wonder if anyone has got any advice for me...

I received a phone call today from a 'debt collection' company who had 'tracked me down' even though my phone number has never changed since i supposedly accrued this debt.

They want £220 for a gas bill myself and my university housemates apparently never paid between 2002-03.
I remember at the time being very careful to notify the utility companies we were leaving and wanted our last bills so we wouldnt be charged for use after we left.
However because this is nearly 6 years ago i have no records of the bills or proof of payment - i remember throwing them out last year. :-(
I have asked my bank to check the beneficiaries of cheques sent out around the time but apart from that i dont know what my options are apart from paying up?!

I dont understand why it has took 6 years to get in touch with me as my mobile number is still the same!

Looking forward to your points of view!

Locknut

They can not chase you for a debt after 6 years if you have had no contact with them whether phone calls,letters or a payment . It doesnt count if they have contacted you its whether you have acknowledged the debt.

E.ON_Company_Representative

Hi hunty_c,

If you contact E.ON directly you will be able to get all the details regarding the final bill, the payments that you made and the reason for this remaining balance.

It is important to establish the figure is accurate first before discussion about payment.

There is legislation regarding old debt but it will depend on the circumstances, each case is different.

Brian

PHilWig

If they have not supplied invoices for that long then the Energy Retail Association code of practice might be useful to you as well. See part 10.
I cannot put the url here but if you google
"energy retail association billing code"
you'll find it.

Regards
Phil