Scotish Power

poh75

Hi

I have been with Scottish Power since April 2009. I was paying £15 a month, which then went to £38 and finally £75.

Its a small 1 bed apartment (modern new build) with Economy Seven heating (no gas). We both work during the day and have the usual electronic gadgets but nothing serious.

Our meter readings have been taken 3 times by Scottish Power and I have confirmed the last two of these (which are correct). We are not using any real heating in the flat, as its part of a massive complex and lucky we are stuck in the middle and other flats seem to keep us at a nice temp. If we are a little cold we put on storage heaters for an hour max in the morning and evening but happens like once a week even during the crazy winter temps.

I would say my first and last bill was fine, however something has clearly happened in 20/08/09 - 19/11/09 - I cannot see how we have used 4000 units in one quarter. How could they have made a mistake on this?

What would you expect the usage to be on a flat like this?

It says that we are using


20/11/09 - 29/01/10 71 days 817 units 12 average per day


20/08/09 - 19/11/09 92 4849 53


21/05/09 - 19/08/09 91 744 8

Premier_2

When you moved in, did you read the meter and give this reading to the supplier? Was this actually used on your initial bill?

Was every bill based on actual meter readings (as signified by the letter A after each meter reading on the bill)?

poh75

Hi

I spoke to Scottish Power, and I have been told since May 2009 and today I have used 9500 kwh! They did an actual meter reading when I moved in and I have just given them one today. So not questioning the meter readings.

I was told when I went to Scottish power that I was economy 7, and that's is what my bill is setup as and the flat using storage water and heating. However I have been told on the phone today that the meters are NOT Econemy 7 and so they cannot charge for it in that way. I am on a standard plan with no special deals.

I then requested who I contact for there data protection team so I can request copies of the phone calls when I first signed up, as well of details of where to raise a formal complaint ... The guy then hung up on me!

So two problems really. Cannot believe that I have used that volume of electric, also as I am sure is the case for a lot of people have been scammed by one of these convert to us sales people for cheaper electric. Looking at uswitch today, Scotishpower £300 a month more than eon.

Fire_Fox

My two bedroom flat uses 400KWH per year with barely any heating and careful with the hot water; heating is the big energy guzzler. You should not be on the standard tariff, that will be expensive. Have you got one or two rates on your meter? If one how could you, SP and your bill all have you listed as two rate?

Storage heaters are not designed to be put on for an hour in the morning and evening they are designed to be used overnight, so you wouldn't have been getting the benefit of E7 anyway. How many storage heaters are you putting on for an hour here and there? How long is your water set to heat for? Do you use a power shower or tumble dryer? Lots of halogen lighting?

In terms of complaining to SP do so in writing in writing by recorded delivery, you won't be able to communicate a complex complaint or request freedom of information by telephone.

Premier_2

poh75 wrote: »

...However I have been told on the phone today that the meters are NOT Econemy 7 and so they cannot charge for it in that way...

When you checked your meter, as you said you did in the OP to confirm the reading, was that a single reading or a dual reading. E7 is a dual rate tariff and requires naturally a dual rate meter i.e. 2 readings.
If you have a dual rate meter, I can't see why you can't have E7 as you requested.

poh75 wrote: »

...I then requested who I contact for there data protection team so I can request copies of the phone calls when I first signed up, as well of details of where to raise a formal complaint ... The guy then hung up on me!

Not sure why he did that, it's no secret

To request personal information, please email [EMAIL="dataprotection@scottishpower.com"]dataprotection@scottishpower.com[/EMAIL] or write to: The Data Protection team, ScottishPower, Section 5, Cathcart Business Park, Spean Street, Glasgow G44 4BE.

http://www.scottishpower.co.uk/About_Us/Privacy_Policy/

Think it costs £10, at least that's the maximum amount they can charge (inc. VAT if applicable)

Similarly, the complaint procedure is available here:
http://www.scottishpower.co.uk/Home_Energy/Customer_Services/Making_a_complaint/
as well as bring on the back of your bill

poh75 wrote: »

So two problems really. Cannot believe that I have used that volume of electric, also as I am sure is the case for a lot of people have been scammed by one of these convert to us sales people for cheaper electric. Looking at uswitch today, Scotishpower £300 a month more than eon.

If you think the meter is wrong, you can apply to have it checked. It'll cost you (probably), but you get it back if the meter is proven to be faulty.
A salesperson is not conning you if he gives you the facts. Moreover, the supplier will usually write to confirm the details. (Recent legislation has said you must now get this in writing)
As you have discovered, always best to use comparison sites as they offer deals from all suppliers, not just the supplier the salesperson works for.

In answer to your OP, whilst the start and latest meter readings may be actual, some of the intermediate ones may be estimated, hence the fluctuation in usage.