Current supplier blocking switch

lectrospin

I just moved into a new property and have tried to switch gas and electricity to supplier I've had for ages but the current supplier keeps cancelling it. Are they allowed to do this? What can I do?

dogshome

The usual reason for the encumbant supplier refusing to allow a Switch, is debt on the account.

As you have only recently moved in, any debt is likely to have been owed by the previous occupant.
1) If you have not yet registered your occupation of this property with the supplier, DO SO NOW and give them the meter readings - Because you are late in doing this, they are likely to want proof of your moving in date - Copy of tenancy agreement or purchase documents

2) If you did register as soon as you moved in, WRITE to the supplier making a formal Complaint

lectrospin

dogshome wrote: »

The usual reason for the encumbant supplier refusing to allow a Switch, is debt on the account.

As you have only recently moved in, any debt is likely to have been owed by the previous occupant.
1) If you have not yet registered your occupation of this property with the supplier, DO SO NOW and give them the meter readings - Because you are late in doing this, they are likely to want proof of your moving in date - Copy of tenancy agreement or purchase documents

2) If you did register as soon as you moved in, WRITE to the supplier making a formal Complaint

I'm not sure what 'register' means, i've been trying to switch it since I moved in to the account I had at my last place. I was told that the agency took meter readings.

t0rt0ise

Have you told your current supplier that you are taking over the account? If not, they still think it's the previous occupant. You need to tell them, give opening readings to open an account, and then you can change suppliers.

lectrospin

I've tried to get i touch with the current supplier numerous times but always get put on hold, it's getting irritating. For some reason they send bills to my housemate who doesn't have an account with them, has never signed up for anything and isn't responsible for the energy bills.

macman

As above. You can't switch to a new supplier until you have registered with the existing supplier, with whom you are in a deemed contract from the day you moved in.
Once you have an account, you can commence a switch, which will take 4-5 weeks.

chanz4

Why not write to them with proof of you moving in, once done they will allow you to change.

lectrospin

OK, an update to this as it's still going on 2 months later, after much wrangling over miscalculated bills, bills that were never sent and lies about not receiving meter readings, I owe nothing to my current provider and they are still blocking the switch. Other people have told me that this company deliberately block customers from leaving without reason, should I just go to the energy ombudsman and let them deal with it?

SwanJon

Which supplier is it?

They should tell you why they are blocking a switch - what reason have they given?
Also worth checking that it is the right house - get the serial number from the meter and chack that both suppliers have it right.

jalexa

lectrospin wrote: »

I just moved into a new property

Is that "just" or 2 months ago?

Regarding the Energy Ombudsman you first need raise a formal complaint with the supplier. At "deadlock" or after 8 weeks you are then entitled to approach the EO.

Also regarding "always getting put on hold" well that unfortunately can be par for the course. But ask yourself who benefits most by being single minded.

chanz4

Your not telling us something here, is an account in your name with a zero balance yes or no? On the objection reason it will of been sent in a letter to you. Have you provided them with proof of move in?