Changing supplier again shortly after doing so...

Kilty_2

My letting agent is trying to force me to use Spark Energy who appear to be pretty useless. The supply has just been switched to them from Scottish Power (unknown to me - I was told that all tenants with the agent I'm with use Spark, and don't have a choice in the matter)

If I were to get the agent to agree to it, could I move to another supplier so soon (a month) after changing? FWIW I haven't actually initiated the change myself, or signed anything.

I assume I'd need to pay Spark the amount I owe them from when I moved in to when I changed supplier, even though they have made no attempt to arrange payment?

:wall:

HappyMJ

You can switch without the agents permission. This is your home. You rent it and it is now your home you can do whatever you like in your own home including buying electricity and gas from whoever you like.

Kilty_2

My tenancy agreement specifically states that I must use Spark Energy and that if I change they will pursue me for any costs incurred with changing back, no doubt ANOTHER stupid admin fee they invent with the click of a finger

HappyMJ

Kilty wrote: »

My tenancy agreement specifically states that I must use Spark Energy and that if I change they will pursue me for any costs incurred with changing back, no doubt ANOTHER stupid admin fee they invent with the click of a finger

It's unenforceable. It'll be thrown out if they try and deduct the expenses from the deposit.

Kilty_2

Interesting, thanks

As to my original question - is it possible to switch again so soon after switching?

HappyMJ

Kilty wrote: »

Interesting, thanks

As to my original question - is it possible to switch again so soon after switching?

You can switch as often as you like so switch as soon as possible to the best deal on the market.

jd87

It's unenforceable. It'll be thrown out if they try and deduct the expenses from the deposit.

Yes but it will still be a lot of hassle though, so the OP needs to make an informed decision about whether they want to go along with the landlord and have a quiet life or not.

OP if you do want to fight this then you should try and get this treated as an "erroneous transfer". Call Spark or Scottish Power and tell them that you are person responsible for choosing supplier and the switch was done without your permission. That way you won't ever need to pay Spark a penny and it will be like you never left SP, then you can switch again if you like.

I must say I've never even heard of Spark.

Kilty_2

It also seems that the previous tenant was not on an Economy 7 tariff despite having an E7 meter and storage heaters, no idea why but it's confused me (I opened a letter from Scottish Power addressed to the previous tenant without looking at who it was addressed to)

Kilty_2

jd87 wrote: »

I must say I've never even heard of Spark.

Neither had I. I've had a letter from them saying they want to install a smart meter and to call them to arrange it - after 10 mins on hold I was told A) they didn't have any in stock and the letter was sent out in error and the switch hadn't completed so I couldn't arrange a payment method

:wall:

Reviews aren't encouraging either.

Ad47uk

Found their website it seems like they are in with the letting agency's as they have sponsored the lettering agency of the year awards

Do a search for Spark energy, I tried to put a link here, but it seems like this forum owners don't trust newbies

Richie-from-the-Boro

Ad47uk wrote: »

Found their website it seems like they are in with the letting agency's as they have sponsored the lettering agency of the year awards

Do a search for Spark energy, I tried to put a link here, but it seems like this forum owners don't trust newbies

Property Managers

This is what we do best.... As we’re built around the needs of a smaller niche market we provide a tailored service that solves your utilities administration problems.
Other benefits of being a Spark partner:
We manage the change of supply and change of tenant process for your entire property portfolio.
We’ll pay you for the pleasure and you can keep track of how we’re doing through your monthly report.
No payment of utility bills during void periods up to £10.
A dedicated Partner Manager to manage your account.
A great deal for your tenants (Price guarantee, green credentials, hassle free move in and move out, little extras each quarter!)

If you have any questions, please submit an enquiry below and one of our Business Development Team will get back to you within 24 hours (weekdays only).

Of course, if you’re ready to switch to Spark Energy, just click on the 'sign up' form below and your Business Development Manager will be in contact with you to take you through the next steps. It's that simple!