Huge Electricty Bill - Help needed

Reflex

We have just received an electricity bill for well over £1000. This is quite a shock as we have a £40 per month standing order.

It turns out that the company have repeatedly ignored the regular readings that they have taken because the computer rejected them as errors based on the previous readings.

Apparently the underbilling goes back to 2002! Seems outrageous as they have repeatedly ignored their readings.

The company accept some responsibility, but have so far only offered a 25% reduction as compensation.

One point that has occured is that we may be being charges at the current higher prices.

I want to take this as far as I can.
Any experiences or ideas appreciated.

Reflex

Cardew

Standing Order or Direct Debit?

How long has your SO/DD been at £40? since 2002?

Obviously if they are trying to bill you for (xxx) kWh at today's prices you can demand that it is prorated as prices have probably doubled.

As in all these type of cases it is a matter of negotiation first. They have offered 25% - what do you think is fair?

Playing the Devil's Advocate you must shoulder a lot of the blame.
You presumably haven't checked any bill for 4 years. Or have checked them and kept quite about the obvious errors.
You must have been aware that prices have increased hugely since 2002 and you didn't increase your SO/DD?
You have, in effect, had an interest free loan for 4 years which is worth a fair sum.
At the end of the day it is still your debt.

If you are unhappy with 25% reduction write to them and ask for an increased reduction - tell them what you want.

You can then take it up with the regulatory body if you are stll not happy, but they may consider that 25% is a fair offer.

Reflex

Thanks Cardew,

One of the odd things is that the DD payments have been re-assessed and changed regularly by the company, and as the meter was read regularly and I'm sure I've also sent in readings myself, I simply haven't given the statements a thought.

Waiting to hear back from the company and very interested to know how anyone else has got on in a similar situation.

Regards
Reflex

Gal

What company are you talking about?

Reflex

Hi Gal,

Now EDF, was SEEBOARD.

Regards
Reflex

Gal

On one perspective I do agree with what Cardew is saying however the new energy ombudsman that EDF has signed up to does have a billing code of conduct. However I think that in your case this would not apply and EDF would use the Copial Responsibility line - Its both yours and theres repsonsibility to ensure that what your paying is adequate. They should have billed you correctly however you should have made sure that the bills your were paying were actual or accurate.

If you went to Energywatch they would ask EDF to offer some form of compensation and to arrange an appropiate scheldule to pay this amount off. In your case if your bills are incorrect for 4 years. They should spread the cost over 4 years.

To be totally honest I think that EDF have done enough to prevent energywatch really getting involved. As mentioned work out a figure then tell EDF that you think it should be at least that figure and neogiate with them. Most suppliers will do there utmost to prevent it going any further. Just try not to take the proverbial because they could turn around and withdraw there offer and you could find an even longer battle to get any form of compensation.

Reflex

Many thanks Gal,

I wonder if anyone has had a similar problem, where readings were taken and ignored, and what finally happened. Be very useful to know how others have got on for example with Energywatch.

It is encouraging that there are appeal options. What I really can't understand is why they repeatedly ignored readings, including one's I sent in and regularly reviewed and changed my DD?

Why didn't they contact me? This is basically my complaint, but realise they can turn it round and say that it is down to me. Seems unfair though as they ignored the readings.

Regards
Reflex

nenya

its to do with the system edf use - even if they put in customer reads and meter man readings there is a daft glitch that allows the actual readings to be overridden to use estimate read - no excuse i know - but thats why it happens.

Reflex

nenya wrote:

its to do with the system edf use - even if they put in customer reads and meter man readings there is a daft glitch that allows the actual readings to be overridden to use estimate read - no excuse i know - but thats why it happens.

Crazy!! Apart from the problem I face, this can't actually be very good for the business either.

Regards
Reflex

nenya

not really - i only know this because the same thing happened to my mum a year or so ago - we were able to deal with the problem because it wasn't long term like your problem - you possibly have a long battle ahead of you there. Good Luck!