Spark Energy wont give me my final bill

Lucile_park

Hi everyone

This is my first post...so here it goes

We were in rented accommodation from July 2008 until 1st Dec 2010 and had a direct debit set up for our electricity with Spark Energy UK. In December we then moved into our own place and have signed up with another provider. We supplied Spark our final readings and they sent us a final bill for about £700. We queried this amount and it seemed that Spark had the wrong meter readings. So they took down the readings again and said they will be in contact. We have contacted them about 3 times since December...every time the same story, they take the readings and state that their billing department will re-issue a new bill and nothing happens.

So...I am after any advice on what I can do to tie off my final bill with Spark? Whilst on the surface not having Spark chasing us sounds like a blessing, I am worried that this may place a black mark against our name over something we have been actively trying to resolve.

Thanks for reading

Lucile_park

macman

Nothing to stop you calculating what the bill should be from your own readings and sending an amount a little less than that, then it's up to them to adjust the final billing.

eurmalian

macman wrote: »

Nothing to stop you calculating what the bill should be from your own readings and sending an amount a little less than that, then it's up to them to adjust the final billing.

Before considering anything like that you want to find their address and send them a letter with the correct reads and explaining everything. Make sure you get proof of postage on it too. Otherwise when this goes to debt collectors and possibly further (as it likely will if you just ignore it) then you'll have a hard time proving that you tried to do anything about it.

My suggestion would be to send them something in writing first (always a good start no matter what else you plan) and then if they still haven't responded within two to three weeks, speak to the CAB or Consumer Focus about escalating it with them.

Lucile_park

Thanks eurmalian. I was thinking along those lines but was not sure if it would make any difference in the long run.

Lucile_park

Hi everyone

Just a brief update on this. Sent a letter recorded and signed for to them. Spelt it all out again in terms of meter readings, new address etc. And nothing still. Now been close to 5 months since that letter, so I am moving on.

MothballsWallet

Did you consider ringing Spark and asking them for a copy of their complaints procedure? That usually wakes them up

Premier_2

Lucile_park wrote: »

Hi everyone

Just a brief update on this. Sent a letter recorded and signed for to them. Spelt it all out again in terms of meter readings, new address etc. And nothing still. Now been close to 5 months since that letter, so I am moving on.

Keep that.

Thay have 12 months to supply a bill. After which you can invoke the 12 month back billing rule and not owe a penny

(The 12 month may have to run from the date you can prove you advised them ... but the recorded letter is proof if you can't prove the earlier calls)

Keep your head down for another 7 months and you might find yourself £700 up :beer:

Lucile_park

Thanks for the responses. Did not know about this back billing rule Premier. Does this apply to all energy providers, as only certain ones seems to be listed from what I have read.