Theft by Utility Companies ?

backfoot

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11442503

I thought this was quite a balanced article on this topic.

I can see arguments for and against the proposed change. Separate written notifications would add further cost for sure.Those who are aware of the price rejection rules wouldn't get so much leeway at the old prices in those cases where the full 65 working days had been used.

On the other hand, like the OP has alluded, it is a very unusual situation where an essential commodity can have it's price increased, and unless you are completely on the ball, you may only find out about it, well after the event. Even then,you may not spot it unless you do scrutinise your bill. If like the OP, you didn't know you could backdate and switch,then you may rightly feel aggrieved that they have pulled a fast one.

The amounts involved can be large. In my own case,the ability to backdate has meant a difference of around £300. If you didn't know the rules, (and I suspect most don't), then you can see perfectly see why this change may alert customers to compare before the event rather than after.

We will see how this evolves but I can now see why this has been proposed.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Captain_cliche wrote: »

I am particularly galled at this latest abuse by a Utility company having transferred to Scottish Power from EON when they sent an undated letter to me several months ago which in effect gave me less than 2 weeks notice that their rates were rising, the same letter had no contact details on for EON nor did it have any details of the rates they were already charging me so that I could compare same and make a reasoned judgement. I appreciate that someone may say it is relatively easy for me to get the old bills out and calculate this myself, but the cynic in me looks at EON letter with no date, no contact details (telephone, email, web site etc.) and no current rates as an attempt by EON to get such abuses past those who may not be able react.

OFGEM where are you ?????

Hi Captain cliche

Must admit, not sure what letter you're referring to here. Letters advising of alterations to prices are dated and include a telephone number as well as details of the new prices.

We haven't increased our standard prices for quite a while; so, I'm wondering if you mean a letter advising of the end of a particular product. Again, these letters are dated, have a contact number and advise the tariff details the account will go on to once the existing product ends.

If you would like to let me have more details, I will gladly investigate this further. Drop an email to the address in my Profile and I'll certainly look into this.

Malc