Consumer Focus response to MSE posts on E.On 'Spring review' DD scheme

jalexa

Consumer_Focus_Representative wrote: »

We urge any MSE members who remain concerned about E.ON’s direct debit policy to send your evidence to Ofgem.

I have documentary proof that Edf are denying operating a short-first year (AKA 'spring alignment') practice (contrary to published Ofgen guidance) but have nevertheless calulated my 'annual review" as a short-year 'spring alignment'.

Could you please confirm where the "regulatory capture" is on Edf practice given that only E.ON is being investigated?

backfoot

jalexa wrote: »

Could you please confirm where the "regulatory capture" is on Edf practice given that only E.ON is being investigated?

If,as you say,only Eon are being investigated then I imagine the regulatory capture isn't anywhere.

As I understand it,from what CF have said is that they have closed this investigation.

Again,as I understand it ,Ofgem are now examining the CF data and other referals regarding Eon. I have personally mentioned EDF's non compliance to Ofgem but they haven't made any comment back to me on that aspect.

DirectDebacle

jalexa wrote: »

I have documentary proof that Edf are denying operating a short-first year (AKA 'spring alignment') practice (contrary to published Ofgen guidance) but have nevertheless calulated my 'annual review" as a short-year 'spring alignment'.

Could that be because you have arranged with them to overpay in order to achieve a zero balance around spring?

jalexa

DirectDebacle wrote: »

Could that be because you have arranged with them to overpay in order to achieve a zero balance around spring?

No.

If you look back at my posts you will see that my position was that I was "relaxed" about a de-facto situation (not that I agreed Edf were in compliance with SLC27.14&15). The 'annual review' date was never "offered" for agreement but was assigned to the account. I was never "informed" until I asked the question.

I have a "technical explanation" for the "short first-year" date assignation in an Edf email and the explanation is not what you suggest.

MisterCee72

As we await the latest update from E.ON, here's a reminder of what their company's stated position was in their response to Ofgem's Direct Direct review and report back in 2009:

http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Consumers/Documents1/Eon%20Direct%20Debit%20response%20May%2009.pdf

Let's hope this time around that E.ON are somewhat more forthcoming than they were with their answer to Chapter 2, Question 2 (F) on page 4.

backfoot

What an interesting find by MisterCee.:T

Eon were horrified by the prospect of a License Condition. They glossed over the impacts of zero spring policy and had the gall to piggy back on the 'apparent' finding of no cashflow manipulation

They lost the argument on License Conditions and as we know don't come close to conforming. They have ignored them in practice.Those blatant and obvious deficiencies must now seem hugely embarrassing and uncomfortable to Eon.

The fact that it took customers and potential customers to point this out to the Regulatory bodies is equally embarrassing. Finally there seems to be a recognition of the issues and we will see what develops.

The whole document makes a fascinating read in the context of Eon's current 'Reset'. There is much to be done.:)

DirectDebacle

jalexa wrote: »

I have documentary proof that Edf are denying operating a short-first year (AKA 'spring alignment') practice (contrary to published Ofgen guidance) but have nevertheless calulated my 'annual review" as a short-year 'spring alignment'.

Could you please confirm where the "regulatory capture" is on Edf practice given that only E.ON is being investigated?

Ofgem have not yet opened an investigation into E.On but are considering the evidence forwarded by C.F. Ofgem are also requesting further evidence from affected customers.

It would seem sensible that you make a complaint to Ofgem and supply them with your evidence of EDF zero spring balance policy. This may help persuade Ofgem to open an investigation and widen its scope beyond one supplier.

I anticipate that The Times will be running a follow up piece on E.On in tomorrows edition. Hopefully this will add a bit more weight to the need for Ofgem action.

MisterCee72

Apparently, there is a fresh "reset" update due out from E.ON tomorrow (Wed 18th):
http://pressreleases.eon-uk.com/blogs//eonukpressreleases/archive/2012/04/11/1808.aspx

Given the ongoing coverage about E.ON's direct debit issues in The Times, it will be interesting to see whether some of the broader shortcomings with the DD scheme might FINALLY be picked up and addressed by E.ON.

Alternatively, perhaps they've come up with an even cuter creature than the one apparently named Zingy in the new EDF commercials and ads, to help distract us from our continuing direct debit-related frustration? :think:

SnowMan

MisterCee72 wrote: »

Alternatively, perhaps they've come up with an even cuter creature than the one apparently named Zingy in the new EDF commercials and ads, to help distract us from our continuing direct debit-related frustration? :think:

Perhaps EON will call their version Springy

E.ON_Company_Rep_Chris

MisterCee72 wrote: »

Apparently, there is a fresh "reset" update due out from E.ON tomorrow (Wed 18th):
http://pressreleases.eon-uk.com/blogs//eonukpressreleases/archive/2012/04/11/1808.aspx

Hi all

Following on from MisterCee's post yesterday, we have now updated our Reset thread with the latest news on our Direct Debit policy.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/52551889#Comment_52551889