First electric bill

Markyg588

I have received my first electricity bill for the first time in 5 years, for the last 5 years they have been coming to my house for meter readings, I contacted them in 2007 to set up a direct debit and all through that year it wasn't set up, after numerous phone calls throughout that year, being cut off and transfered to different people, i eventually spoke to management, after repeating myself again i told them in February 08 that I wouldn't be phoning about this problem again and to put it on my notes, i was told that it would be sorted, they have now sent me an electric bill for the last 12 months of usage, and want me to pay it by next week, I have phoned them up, but they want me to pay a ridiculous amount every month to pay it off which includes my future consumption which is estimated, I have placed a complaint with them and they have said they will contact me. Just wondering where I stand, if anyone can offer any help it would be very much appreciated.

hpsaucey

really you should have put something aside each week/month to cover your costs [its not free you know lol] 5 years is a long time not to have paid anything at all. if you have financial difficulties ask your supplier to set up either a new direct debit and something off the arrears or ask for prepayment meters where you pay your week consumption and something off your arrears every week.

macman

Welcome to the forum. So you've been offered, without any negotiation, 4 years of free electricity and you are putting in a complaint? Are you serious?
You appear to have been offered the full benefits of the 1 year back-billing rule, plus a payback period (how long?) so exactly what are you going to complain about? What is your objection to a DD to clear the arrears and pay for your ongoing consumption?
The fact that it's the supplier's error doesn't mean that they'll write off the last year as well.