EDF Electric bill/re-estimate

lloydnoise

hello Experts

I received an EDF bill yesterday. Normally this is a simple quarterly bill with an estimated charge (around £90 per Q on average), however with this bill they have recalculated our usage for the year (Apr 11 - Apr 12) as £500 minus our previous payments throughout the year (£270).

I understand that they can recalculate but they billed us for our usage from Apr '11 - February '12 (the last £90 payment was made on 06/02/12), surely this is all paid. Can they change their mind about how much they think we should pay AFTER WE'VE ALREADY PAID IT!?
If this is their estimate then they should surely stick to the figure that they quoted us previoiusly?

I will pay whatever they think we owe from February 6th to now as this is clearly outstanding, but can they really recalculate retrospectively and ask us for it now? If I sold someone a toaster for a tenner and then, 12 months later, recalculated the retail value of that toaster at £20, I can't really contact them and expect them to pay the other tenner. Or do different rules apply here?

I am slightly confused by this and want to get some advice before I call up to rant/sob, any help would be appreciated,

many thanks

Lloyd

jalexa

lloydnoise wrote: »

...Can they change their mind about how much they think we should pay AFTER WE'VE ALREADY PAID IT!?
If this is their estimate then they should surely stick to the figure that they quoted us previoiusly?...

The revised bill may or may not be right but in answer to your question, yes there are circumstances this can be done.

For example, if you accepted "estimates" on a bill, and I think you have admitted that, if there is a tariff price change then an actual read can result in estimated consumption across the price change being re-billed. Without telling Edf the answer, ask for an explanation. Post the Edf answer for further advice.

A lesson for you (and others) is, unless you know what you are doing, never accept a bill with an estimated read.

Terrylw1

Yes they can since something could crop up that they were unaware of. The billing code and ofgems back billing policy dictates how far back and why they can do it but anything under 12 months is before the various codes kick in.

In terms of a toaster, you know what it is, its features, etc...elec is an unknown until reads are received and you are in a Deemed contract where they agree to keep your elec on.

You may see the estimates as toohigh and request a re-estimation which could change it so if they had the same opinion as you, they could refuse and hold you to an unproven unfair estimate. So, it cuts both ways.

What if your meter reading was lower? All previous bills would be flawed and you would expect it reissued to the lower reading.

Suggest you avoid estimates and submit readings for all bills which will stop this. In terms of the current debt, they can spread it over 12 months if you need them to.