Utility company payment request

elfrider

Having moved into my new house last May, I transferred my British Gas account (gas & elec) to the new address immediately. There was a 6-8 week period while the providers were swapped over during which we were still being supplied by the last owners supplier (Southern Electric). Shortly after, a series of letters arrived addressed to someone at our address, but with a name that wasn't my own - the name was very loosely similar to mine but spelt completely differently and only resembled it when spoken out loud. With the letters not addressed to me I returned them to sender without opening them. I didn't receive any more until yesterday when a letter arrived with the same name on it. Being curious, I opened it. It was from a debt collection agency acting on behalf of Southern Electric requesting I pay an outstanding balance immediately before they take further action. I then realised that the previous letters I had received and returned must have been bill reminders. Am I legally bound to pay the balance or does the fact that my name is so badly misspelt and I have never signed any agreement with the company mean they're not entitled to anything? Strictly speaking I shouldn't have opened the letter but if I hadn't would it have kept escalating further?

Premier_2

Did you consume the energy?

If so, why don't you think you should pay for it? :huh:

elfrider

Yes, and normally there would be no issue. My point is I shouldn't have to open mail that is frankly not addressed to me to find out I owe money. Should I not have returned the last letter unopened? in which case, after several more would I receive a visit from a heavy at my front door? Not only that but it's been 8 months since the last letter. I'm fed up with having to continually endure the incompetencies of pretty much every company I ever do business with.

Premier_2

elfrider wrote: »

Yes, ...

Well cough up then ...:cool:

elfrider wrote: »

...I'm fed up with having to continually endure the incompetencies of pretty much every company I ever do business with.

Well don't use their supplies or services if you don't want to pay for what you use!

Gerrard_8_lfc

It looks and sounds like your name but you don't expect it to be yours?

Stop looking for a loophole and get the bill paid you used the energy now so you have to pay for it.