Confused and Cross with Scottish Power!

BeccaBell

Hi All,

As a total newbie to the world of utilities I am hoping that someone can shed some light and let me know if this is normal, sorry if it is a bit of a long post!

Me and OH moved into our flat on 26th August previous owner had been repossessed and as such had big debts with the utility companies and all utilities were switched off. After much shouting and fuss electricity was on by late evening the 27th but we are still without gas. Luckily we have been ok getting by as it is mainly used for the heating but it is starting to get colder at night!

The current meter is a pre payment which for various reason I do not want. In a call to Scottish Power on the 2nd September. I asked for the meter to be changed back to a normal one the lady I spoke to agreed and informed me this would cost £48.50 for the meter change plus £150.00 up front (this wasnt really explained to me why but she explained it to me as a way to ensure I dont default on payments) to pay to them and I would get back in a year. Fair enought to the £48.50 as the meter change was my choice but I felt the £150 charge was unfair as I had never had any problems and I have an excellent credit score (I made it clear I was more than happy to submit to a credit check to prove this).
I was then told that as long as I agreed to stay with them for a year all fees would be waived. I was chuffed with this as I was planning to switch to Scottish Power for both Gas and Electric anyway. I was unable to book it all in on the day so she agreed to call me back the next day. She didnt.

I called Scottish Power again on Friday (10th) to explain the situation. I was told there was no notes on my account and no one had changed the tenancy to the new renter. I explained I was the owner not a renter and repeated my problem. I was told that though the £150.00 could be waived if I signed up for there agreement the £48.50 couldn't. Confused and more than a little :mad: I asked if I could speak to someone senior to try and get across the situation. I was told the earliest someone could call would be Monday morning.

Monday morning has come and gone and after I called Scottish Power and spoke to yet another person. They still have me down as a renter (despite this being the 3rd time I have spoken to them and my partner has spoken to them at least twice to inform them we are the owners) and are now saying the £48.50 can be waived but the £150.00 can't and it is something that all new customers who have no payment history with them have to do!

Is this normal to pay a big lump up front? I am now so sick of getting different answers and being made to feel stupid that I will just pay to have them remove it and go with someone else but will I get the same problem???

Premier_2

Ok, from the beginning.

When a property is repossessed, usually all that occurs is that the utilities are isolated at the appropriate isolation valve/switch. In the case that meters are still in place, this is even more so, but a call to the appropriate supplier will usually confirm whether or not any other form of disconnection has taken place.

Where the isolation is simply at the isolation valve/switch, the consumer can simply reconnect themselves (but care should be taken if any part of the installation gives cause for concern; get it checked out out by a qualified professional first if in doubt)

Regarding setting up new accounts, the supplier may request evidence that you are the new owner of the property first (such as a copy of the completion statement from the solicitor).
They will also ask for the meter readings when you moved in to be used as the start billing point.

Where prepayment meters are involved, these will require new top up cards. Don't use any old one left behind as that will simply be crediting the previous occupants account!) A new card will wipe any existing debt from the meter.

To replace a PPM may involve a cost. SP do usually charge as you have discovered
(£48.50 was the quoted cost in this instance). Not all suppliers will charge, and the amount may vary between supplier.

The security deposit (£150) is something else a supplier granting credit may apply. Most suppliers, at least those who are responsible lenders, will either seek a sufficiently good credit reference, ask for payments monthly by direct debit and/or ask for a security deposit.
The deposit is fully refundable after 12 months including interest (assuming you pay the bills in full and on time).

JasX

different suppliers have different policies on switching you off other people's prepayment meter, some charge for it (eg the £50) some do it for free. the £150 will be part of scottish powers policy.

Best bet is a bit of forum searching and find out who does have a free policy on this (will require credit check tho), switch to them with the PP meters then get them removed for free (if your supplier from your previous address has a free changeover policy they would be an obvious one to go to as you can point to your previous account details and good account management)

BeccaBell

Thanks JasX my main problem at the moment is coming from the "You must be a customer for 12 months or have some sort of utility history" this is my first home and I previously lived with my parents so have not paid utilities in my own name before. I am perfectly willing to submit to a credit check as I know I have an excellent score but Scottish Power haven't been willing to listen. The most annoying thing is the lack of consistency between the calls as I have had completly different outcomes from all of them!

davidgmmafan

"The security deposit (£150) is something else a supplier granting credit may apply."

To be honest I'm surprised they don't ALL require this, I mean it could be anyone moving in...

Regarding the conflicting info its worth logging a complaint, they probably won't budge if that is thier policy as they will be used to people complaining about it but its worth a shot.

I am not clear why any other company would expect 12 months utility history. It might be relevent to thier policy if you had been with them at another address as they'd know you were a good payer. Given that you've purchased the property it seems reasonable to assume you are decent with money! lol