MSE News: How to beat the energy price hikes

GraceCourt

housesitter wrote: »

In the process of leaving Scottish Power.

<snip>

Since December I have had 15 bills from them in one shape or another. Dual fuel, individual accounts, different account numbers.
Why does it have to be so hard?

I appreciate that you didn't ask for advice, but in those circumstances I would take the readings at the changeover (using the same readings for the new company to avoid further complication!), then - using the pre-existing tariff - calculate as carefully as possible what the bill should be.

Then, I would send that sum, minus an appropriate amount in respect of the "hassle factor" - £25 would not be unreasonable - together with a clear account of how the final sum was arrived at. Conclude the letter by making it very clear that you will not enter into any further correspondence with them unless they dispute the actual calculation - not the readings nor the tariff! - and that they should avoid wasting everyone's time sending threatening letters or claiming that the bailiffs will call for some imaginary debt, they should just proceed straight to the County Court if they believe that they are owed money.

If you do get any follow up from a third party, just post that third party a copy of your letter with a copy of the demand, in an unstamped letter marked "Freepost" to the address shown for payments. Or (better, but you need stronger determination!) just keep all such letters and then take County Court* proceedings against Scottish Power for £50 under S.13 Data Protection Act 1998 for providing incorrect personal data to that third party. £50 is determined as "nominal damages" by the Court of Appeal.

I would use, in these circumstances, a cheque and a paper letter... this is very unusual for me, but the argument (if it was ever reviewed later, e.g. in legal proceedings) is that the money travelled with the explanation, and that if they subsequently get separated, that's Scottish Power's fault.

Hope that's useful.

* If the registered office of the company is in Scotland, the proceedings are in the Sheriff Court under its small claims procedure.