Disputed bill - Can I change suppliers?

Protogenia

Hi there folks x

I was just wondering - I have a disputed electricity bill. The suppliers say I owe £700 for two months - I say how come when my bills are normally £120 for two months. This reading is from April to 1st June so not even winter (and my central heating is gas anyway.)

Inbetween this bill and the last bill I have had my meter changed from a dials meter to a simple numeric meter. They have taken the meter reader's reading (which is incorrect by over 5000 units) and billed me accordingly. They also want to ramp up my direct debit by £140 over month. :mad: This reading is wrong!

After quite a few problems with this company - they have taken out too much by direct debit, taking direct debits out ten days early, confusing bill, over inflated estimates etc I have had enough and want to leave and go to another supplier.

My question is - can I go to another supply whilst still having an unpaid disputed bill with this company?
I don't want to be without an electric supplier should this dispute run on. There is no way I can afford to pay this huge monthly direct debit - nor will I be doing so - if they do take these paymants I will cancel the direct debit - if they still take payments I will close the bank account and open another.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Pro x x

Devils-Advocate_3

I'm confused. You say they've taken the meter reader's reading which is massively incorrect. Have you given them the correct reading?

Protogenia

Yes - but they are disputing it as the meter reader took the reading before he changed the meter and they are going on his word - which I am disputing further. What I wish to know is - can I change suppliers whilst disputing a bill? Thank you

Protogenia

Found the answer myself on the Citizens Advice Bureau Site - I will put up the response in case any one else was wondering. x x

Changing supplier when you have a debt

If you have an electricity debt, you may not be accepted by a new supplier.
If you've owed the money for less than 28 days, for example, you haven't paid a recent bill, you will still be able to change supplier. The money you owe will be transferred to your new supplier.
You will also be allowed to change supplier if you use a prepayment meter and have a debt of up to £200. Your debt will be transferred to your new supplier.

Bambywamby

Do you live with a partner/spouse? You can always put the new suppliers account in their name and then there wouldn't be a problem changing suppliers. Just the continued problem of getting that huge bill sorted out. No doubt the energy company requested the change of meter.

Protogenia

Funnily enough, they did.

moonrakerz

Word of advice if you have your meter changed.

When the man has done it, write the old reading and the new one on the back of the meter cupboard door (or adjacent to meter) in permanent marker. Get the man to agree the reading.
1. You have a permanent record.
2. If there has been an error in reading, it is more likely to be picked up with two of you doing the reading.

t0rt0ise

You can't change supplier as your current supplier will block it. Have you raised a formal complaint with your current supplier? Which company are they? If you haven't raised a complaint then write to the complaints address, sending the letter by signed for mail and keep a copy.

Protogenia

moonrakerz wrote: »

Word of advice if you have your meter changed.

When the man has done it, write the old reading and the new one on the back of the meter cupboard door (or adjacent to meter) in permanent marker. Get the man to agree the reading.
1. You have a permanent record.
2. If there has been an error in reading, it is more likely to be picked up with two of you doing the reading.

Thank you for this. I have just looked in the cupboard and the meter reading man left his card and an actual meter reading when he changed meters. The reading in his own writing is the same as mine!!!! :T I am soooooo pleased - can't wait to get back on the phone on Monday and see what they think to that evidence!!!!!

spiro

Protogenia wrote: »

Found the answer myself on the Citizens Advice Bureau Site - I will put up the response in case any one else was wondering. x x

Changing supplier when you have a debt

If you have an electricity debt, you may not be accepted by a new supplier.
If you've owed the money for less than 28 days, for example, you haven't paid a recent bill, you will still be able to change supplier. The money you owe will be transferred to your new supplier.
You will also be allowed to change supplier if you use a prepayment meter and have a debt of up to £200. Your debt will be transferred to your new supplier.

The only time outstanding monies are transferred from your old supplier to your new supplier is if you have a debt on a ppm and the new supplier agrees. If the overdue balance is less than a month old you can change supplier but your old supplier will then what payment in full within 30 days.

Protogenia

Quick update. After telling them I have the meter readers card, reading and signature - it was suddenly their error and bill and direct debit have been modified. I am £45 in credit in actual fact. Bloody utility companies. x