Changed supplier without my permission.

kiwichick

Hi All,

Hope its ok to post this here. Apologies if its a bit vague, will try to put in all the info I can.

I am with Scottish Power (very happy with them, no intention of switching) but about 12 months ago received a letter from EDF saying that they were happy to have me as a new customer for gas only. I've not had a visit or phonecall from them, nor signed anything electronically online. I have however had a new family move in 2 doors down and I am assuming that EDF have put the wrong address on the paperwork though I have no proof f this. I didnt think to ring and ask for a copy of the contract but I suppose I still could do?

I called Scottish Power who said that their system showed I wished to switch as EDF had contacted them. Explained I wanted to stay, and was told it would take some time as they had to contact EDF etc. During this time my DD went down as I was paying only for electricity. Then all of a sudden my DD skyrocketed from £60pm to £97pm, when I spoke to SP they said my gas was back with them and with the recent price hikes that was the amount I needed to pay. Gave them a meter reading they then adjusted and said it would go down to £75 but for the next 3 months it stayed at £97.

Phoned again, this has been going on for months by this stage, having checked online my acc was some £700+ in credit. Asked why this was so and was told that they had been taking money for my gas but hadnit billed me since Sept '10!! Asked that they pay it immediately as surely it is having an impact on my credit rating? They did so and said I have some £225 left, I had that sent out to me as a chq.

My question is, I have had no letter by way of apology from EDF, they dont want to speak to me on the phone as I am not a customer! Do I have the right to use Martins complaints template and ask for compensation in this case?

Thanks,
Al xx

pops848

Hi Al,

Chances are you've been a hit by an erroneous transfer, where by a new supplier takes over your supply in error. This can occure because they have the wrong house number, postcode or even meter serial number.
It is not always the new suppliers fault, it can be because the developer of a new build has incorrectly reported meters to the wrong property, or the central database has the wrong meter number attached to your property.

In this case I would actually thank EDF, because if they had not accidently taken over your supply you would have not contacted your supplier. Who had not billed you for over a year. ET's happen more often than you would think and it costs the supplier about £250 every time it happens. My advice would be to complain to your original supplier about why they have not billed you for over a year. EDF will be unlikely to offer any compensation as you are not their customer and as far as they are aware they were taking the correct supply.