Trying to Switch from E.On

ahmjt

Dear Forum members
I would like your view on the following situation on my electricity supplier:

I have moved to a new rented Property and changed the existing E.On Metered supply to E.On (top-up) key system.. I did it because I wanted to take some time to decide on the supplier for the new place (I have the impression that if I have a top-up key system I can easily change supplier).

After a week, I applied for Southern Electric (SSE) as my metered supplier. Today (after around 4 weeks) I have got a letter from SSE stating that SSE is unable to take over the supply as current supplier (E.ON) raised an objection. The letter also states if the objection is not lifted within 5 days SSE will not be able to supply to this address.

I am not exactly sure why this is happening. I will contact E.On, but would appreciate if you people can give me some tips.

Terrylw1

You need to ask the new supplier what the reason for objection is.

If you have a debt you are paying off on the meter or they have not been able to get in to recalibrate the meter to the updated charges, it can cause a rejection.

Also be aware that by changing to a PPM, some suppliers charge to change the back.

ahmjt

Thanks for your reply. I will ask SSE about it.

As I have moved to a new Property and got this top-up meter installed from the first day I am not supposed to have any debt on this meter.

I had EDF on my previous place and I paid the bill there fully and changed it to a top-up system before handing over the key to my previous landlord.

I am not sure about the "calibration" thing you have mentioned. I guess I will have to ask EOn about it.

It seems like load of time on the phone

Terrylw1

The calibration is when they can't update the new kwh charges on your tariff by sending it yo your key. So they send an engineer out. If you prevented them gaining access they can object to you leaving.

There isn't much time here but don't worry because its an objection to "this" move request and it doesn't stop you trying again. So if its not sorted inside the 5 days, your new supllier can request it again on your advice to do so and the process starts again.

Just consider compensaion if its an error because if you have to request again, your start date will be later and any extra cost per kwh payed to the old supplier instead of the new supplier wouldn't be your fault.

jamboaud

My dad died suddenly 6 weeks ago. So I phoned their electricity supplier to change the name. Been with them since 1958.. Only to be told EON took over the account without there knowledge 3 years ago.. How could this happen no paperwork or nothing ? Tried to send an email but need account number. Dont want to spend ages on the phone talking to people who know nothing..

ahmjt

Update:
Called SSE to check what sort of 'objection' was raised by E.On. SSE informed that E.On only mentioned 'objection', did not give any detail for data protection.

Called E.On. The person 'A' was helpful and informed me that my March 12 phone call to E.On (to register my name/address) did not actually resulted in my name/address getting registered with E.On! The previous tenant had around £1200 in due on that address! Luckily E.On had a record of more or less what we talked about on 12/03/2012 over the phone. E.On accepted that it was fault on their part to not register my details with system on that day.

E.On took name/number again, also requested a meter reading (which luckily I took this morning).

Just to double-check I will call E.On again tomorrow to make sure my name is registered with the system and may call SSE as well.

E.ON_Company_Representative

Hi ahmjt,

I thought that would be the case, as we only object to a change of supply when there's a debt on the meter.

I'm glad you have got this sorted now, let us know if you've got any other questions I'll be happy to help.:)

Amy

Terrylw1

Your new supplier needs the reading though, not Eon. So, that will be used to create an account and unless you have a reading for when you moved in, they will have to use it to estimate your opening reading.

Ensure you contact your new supplier with a new reading as well.

Have Eon removed the objection? If not, your new supplier has no further action to take as you are staying with Eon.

Terrylw1

jamboaud wrote: »

My dad died suddenly 6 weeks ago. So I phoned their electricity supplier to change the name. Been with them since 1958.. Only to be told EON took over the account without there knowledge 3 years ago.. How could this happen no paperwork or nothing ? Tried to send an email but need account number. Dont want to spend ages on the phone talking to people who know nothing..

Its called an erroneous transfer and its very common. The MPAN/MPRN is the properties registration number for elec/gas so if someone else put that on their contract, it can happen.

Its not possible to reverse an erroneous transfer after 14 months per industry rules. However, it can be re-registered to. The correct supplier as a fresh future registration but it leaves a debt with Eon so you would need to negotiate the costs as they have settled for your energy at 14 months.

If it has never been challenged it might be better to concentrate on sorting out your dads utility part of the estate and then switching away if needed.

Suggest contact the Eon rep about this as its a tricky one and thy will want to get the executors onto the account to ease any communication needs at this time as well as sorting out any final balances.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

jamboaud wrote: »

My dad died suddenly 6 weeks ago. So I phoned their electricity supplier to change the name. Been with them since 1958.. Only to be told EON took over the account without there knowledge 3 years ago.. How could this happen no paperwork or nothing ? Tried to send an email but need account number. Dont want to spend ages on the phone talking to people who know nothing..

Hi jamboaud

I'm really sorry about your sudden loss.

Terrylw1 is spot on. This certainly sounds like an erroneous transfer. As Terry says, it's not possible to reverse it now as it's gone on for so long. However, this doesn't mean it shouldn't be investigated.

We have a team who look after this type of complaint and it would be useful to talk to them. Alternatively, drop an email to the address in my Profile if you prefer. I'll be happy to take a look for you.

Malc