Frequent problems with Scottish Power

helenisnotlucky

I really need some advice. I moved into house in Dec, the current supplier was Scottish power so I just stuck with them. Inithially they gave me a deal of £60 that was for both electric and gas.

The first direct debit payment came off fine in January and Feburary. In March they tried taking my bill off a day early and I had was due to be paid the next day so therefore no funds in my account. I called them the next day to set up a new direct debit and payed the £60 with my debit card. Since March I have recieved 4 letters claiming my bank had cancelled the direct debit, or in some of the letters it was stated I gave incorrect bank details. No my bank hasn't cancelled the direct debits and neither have I. Now my monthly bill has gone up to £105 a month. Just to add I have made all payments with bar one with my debit card. Direct debit was due to come off last Wednesday and still it didn't come off. I have called them again, they seem clueless but said they would try to call my bank to see if they could sort something out.


I recieved a letter saying I can switch my energy supplier due to them hiking up the prices. But my current bill online says £309. I've just had a new baby and there is noway I can pay that outright. I have not paid this months bill I refuseto until they sort this mess out.

Can I legally switch even if I owe them money and who can people suggest I switch too?

Thanks in advance

PS excuse any typos

Premier_2

You need to understand that your monthly payment agreement is not a deal; it is set to a level dependent on what you owe/consume. It can vary if the assumption was incorrect or you fail to pay previous amounts.

It would be wrong of SP to attempt to collect earlier than the agreed date, and if they did try you could reclaim this from your bank together with consequential losses (e.g. bank charges resulting)

However, when a DD collevtion fails, it does seem to upset the utility companies who do not correctly understand the failed transaction codes for some reason. You need to discuss the position with them and try and work out a resolution that suits both parties.

You can try and switch, but if the supplier has previously demanded payment from you (more than 28 days ago) which you have failed to pay, then they will probably prevent any switch going ahead. What's more, your credit rating could be adversely affected. Again, contact the supplier & come to a mutually agreeable resolution.

You have to pay for what you have used.