Advice needed re. Seeboard Energy (EDF)

sam21_2

Can someone give me some advice as to the next move that I should make, here's the story........

In May we changed from Seeboard Energy (now EDF) to Powergen. In doing so we were sent a final Gas Bill for £273.69.

On 8th May I transferred £200 from my Alliance and Leicester account and paid on line to Seeboard Energy.

On 30th May I recieved a letter from Knight Debt Recovery stating that the amount was still outstanding and unless it was paid immediately action would be taken.

Naturally I rang Seeboard to question what had happened to my payment and it was then that I realised that because I was paying on line I should have used a different sort code (this is written in very small print on the back of the bill) The sort code that I'd put down was copied from the payment slip but was only for "paper transactions" I asked if they could transfer the payment from one to the other, but was told that my bank would have to reclaim the payment. My bank reacted immediately and have written and several times to HSBC (Seeboards bank) but so far to no avail.

I have rung and written on 10 separate occasions, including sending details of my bank statement and written confirmation from my bank to say when and where the payment went.

I have also fully paid my gas bill. So they owe me £200. Interestingly when I owed them £200 they were very quick to send me threatening letters detailing possible court action. I wish I'd been braver and gone through with it as I HAD actually paid the money (it's still sitting in their account gaining interest for them) As a knock on I've twice had to pay bank charges to A+L of £25 each time for being overdrawn (by less than £100) Which had I had the £200 owed me would not have occured. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!

I am so fed up with the situation
WHAT CAN I DO NEXT???
Any advice gratefully received

Thanks for reading

Cardew

write to OFGEM copied to EDF

roger56

I'd suggest you send a LBA - Letter Before Action - to EDF. (Post in writing and keep a copy, don't use email).

Explain what happened, give them say 14 days to return your money and warn them that you intend to commence recovery action, at which point they will be liable for your recovery costs. (Money claim online is probably the best option here).
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/index.jsp

If you are worried about your "credit rating", consider a "Subject Access Request". Do this before starting a money claim online, as you can include as part of the action a requirement to remove adverse credit notes related to this incident.
http://www.ico.gov.uk/what_we_cover/data_protection/your_rights.aspx
Follow the "How to access information" link, there's even a sample letter.

I've found on two occasions these formal letters get attention and ultimately results.

anniecave

I would complain to energywatch. They should be able to get Seeboard to hassle the bank, or advise what can be done with regards to the payment. Ask for a goodwill payment additionally as they should have sorted this out the first time you asked.

edfsuck

Knight Debit Collection is 100% owned by EDF. They work in the same buildings and at the same tables.
Knight Debit Collection will suggest vague threats of "action" to be taken against you. It is merely a scare tactic. I find it offensive that EDF does this. The 'action' is unspecified in an attempt to scare you into thinking whatever the worst possible 'action' might be for you. If you call EDF or Knight Debit Collection the operatives will deny any connection. Odd, as their yearly accounts clearly state that EDF owns Knight Debit Collection.

edfsuck.