Not paying cancellation fee

iamcornholio

I'm currently thinking of leaving Scottish Power, but have just noticed that when my initial contract/tarrif ended, they've put my on a tarrif with a "cancellation fee"

I did not realise at the time, so yes perhap I should have checked the small print in their email.

Anyway, their T&C's state that that they "may" charge a cancellation fee and not "will" charge one (like other companies seem to state)

So firstly, as anyone managed to not pay this fee? eg when 'may' and when 'may not' they charge it? What is the discretion?

My plan may be to jump ship, cancel the DD and then just settle up on the actual usaage charges by cheque - and dispute the cancellation fee. If I do this, what will they do?

cheers

Plushchris

If you live with someone else but its your name on the bill phone and tell them you are moving out, the other person in the property "has just moved in" and signs up on their standard tariff then switches away.

Job is "a goodun"

Premier_2

iamcornholio wrote: »

...
My plan may be to jump ship, cancel the DD and then just settle up on the actual usaage charges by cheque - and dispute the cancellation fee. If I do this, what will they do?

cheers

What most other companies do when they are owed money

... and remember they can end up putting a default on your credit record that''ll screw you too.

Better off to pay what you owe "under duress" if necessary and then claim it back if you think there are any grounds.

... Or try the suggestion by Plushchris above if you can.

KimYeovil

Plushchris wrote: »

If you live with someone else but its your name on the bill phone and tell them you are moving out, the other person in the property "has just moved in" and signs up on their standard tariff then switches away.

Thieving git.

Gerrard_8_lfc

Why don't you just see out the contract which you agreed to instead of trying to screw the system.

Premier_2

From what I understand from the OP from elsewhere, the OP has fallen out with their current supplier over the amount they charge them (perhaps not understanding that a new tariff they have been put on following expiration of the previous one may be more expensive) and is looking forward to the £70 backhander switching supplier may achieve.

Scottish_Power

Hi iamcornholio

Let me try to help as best I can here.

From my knowledge, we have written that we 'may' charge you a cancellation fee because a charge is not applied to your account if you (genuinely) move out of the property.

Let me confirm the other option for you. If you contact us to see if you can be put on a cheaper tariff (possibly an online tariff) and you find out that you can save £200 over the period of 12-months, is the cancellation charge worth taking the hit with to get the cheaper tariff rates. Something to consider.

Better to speak with us first to confirm all your options and you can then decide what action you wish to take.

Hope this helps.

Kind Regards

Colin @ ScottishPower

Plushchris

KimYeovil wrote: »

Thieving git.

Thanks Kim!

I believe the wording at the top of the page is "Consumer revenge"

I feel like I've been screwed out of more than the cost of a cancelation fee over the years from various suppliers. And I sleep well at night before you ask

And anyway, just after I did it I went and stayed at my mums for the weekend, all depends what you define as "moving out"

iamcornholio

Gerrard_8_lfc wrote: »

Why don't you just see out the contract which you agreed to instead of trying to screw the system.

Because I never implicitly agreed to it (and don't quote me any contract law either)

iamcornholio

Premier wrote: »

... the OP has fallen out with their current supplier ..... and is looking forward to the £70 backhander switching supplier may achieve.

And why not?

We have a system where companies will pay commission to tempt people, and presumably all this comes out of the massive profits they make. We also have a deregulated system where we are encouraged (particularly by sites like this one) to swap suppliers to keep them all competitive

No one should feel obligated to stick with any particular supplier in trying to avoid paying charges which could be avoidable.

"It's business, not personal"

SwanJon

iamcornholio wrote: »

Because I never implicitly agreed to it (and don't quote me any contract law either)

Their argument is that by not opting out, you did implicitly agree to it. You also continued to use energy.

I think what you mean is that you never explicitly agreed to it, but that's not needed in this industry.