How is Your Switch From First Utility Going?

aelitaman

Like a lot of people on here I am switching from FU because of their desire to pump cash from exisiting customers with a higher standing charge than for new customers.

So I have low expectations of the switch happening quickly but I am not to worried because I have used the option of informing them of my switch with the 20 day period which mean I will still be on the orginal (cheap) tariff until the switch happens.

How are other posters fareing is the switch going smoothly?

ollski

I'm a bit stuck on it to be honest, they tell me I have accrued 160 rebate which will be paid in January but I guess that means I need to stay with them and lose my right to switch. I also had a smart meter fitted in January which I think means I have to pay them 65.00 because I'm terminating within 12 months. So do I just tough it out until January paying the higher price and then swap?

sporty_han26

I switched from Scottish Power to E.On and that went well. still going well now.

gatita

Ollski I am in the same position as you. I want to leave ASAP but accrued £140 which will be "added to my account on the 13Th month. In my case in November. If I switch before that I imagine I will lose it, also unfortunately if I give them notice that I intend to switch, it also means I will have to pay the new standing charges! Damned if you do, and damned if you don't springs to mind Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

macman

I don't get this. When you switch, you get a final bill from any utility supplier, if you are in credit you get a cheque or a credit to your bank account.
Does FU have a different method?

aelitaman

macman wrote: »

I don't get this. When you switch, you get a final bill from any utility supplier, if you are in credit you get a cheque or a credit to your bank account.
Does FU have a different method?

Their administration systems are so bad that they have not been able to provide accurate monthly gas bills for posters on here (me included after 12 months) and the email they sent out states that they will refuse any request to switch where they view the customer owes them money.


So there is potential for all sorts of trouble here which is why I posed the question.

katemw_2

I can't switch from First Utility because they have not registered my electricity meter correctly against my supply on the national database (meaning that other suppliers are powerless to take on my electricity). They have not done anything about it, and I am having to stay with them against my will! I can't wait to get rid of them - I have had so many problems.

Yes, I have complained officially. I'll be taking it to consumer direct/the ombudsman if they don't sort it out quickly...

katemw_2

Oh great and now I see the deal I was trying to move on to has been withdrawn and I didn't get on it due to FU's incompetence... grrr.

aelitaman

Sorry to hear that katemw, If you recieved an email from them stated that if you informed them you were cancelling within 20 working days of reciept you would keep the old tariffs I would write to them saying that you expect them to honour these old prices until they sort there problems out.

katemw_2

aelitaman wrote: »

Sorry to hear that katemw, If you recieved an email from them stated that if you informed them you were cancelling within 20 working days of reciept you would keep the old tariffs I would write to them saying that you expect them to honour these old prices until they sort there problems out.

I wasn't really leaving due to the prices but due to the fact I was paying for the wrong gas meter and electricity meter (and also an extra surprise meter for a few months!) and FU did nothing to sort it out.

I'd have liked to get the npower deal but npower had to cancel the new contract because FU objected to the transfer because they had the wrong meters on my bill (which I've been telling them about for months and they haven't sorted). Ironically the very reason I'm leaving is the thing they are using to force me to stay...

aelitaman

Update on my switch. As I feared a complete disaster area. Elecy switched ok but F.U refused my gas switch because they have not got a clue what the gas bill should be only thier massive estimate. So I phoned the nice chap in the CU dept and worked through what the bill should be with the real readings from the meter. He said that is fine you do not owe us any money above the current month bill. So he said hold the line whilst I call the credit dept to get them to OK the switch. Came back and said the witch will be allowed now and we will send you a final bill (how seeing as they have no clue what the meter is reading is beyond me).

So new supplier has just sent me a letter saying FU have refused your gas switch.

Lost for words at the incompetance of this company. What we need is for them to mess a few students around so they can go and protest at FU HQ.