Trouble with Utility Warehouse

Brotybob

I switched from Utility Warehouse to NPower several years ago for both Gas and Electricity supplies but the whole exercise descended in farce when NP messed up the electricity account move when they started billing using the wrong npan (?) In the end I was left owing a huge sum to UW and I had to accept a prepaid meter as I could not afford to repay any other way. The transfer of the gas account went without a hitch or so I thought because suddenly out of the blue I received a letter yesterday telling me that there was a gas balance due when I transferred of £1517.21 and that UW was going to add £5 per week immediately to the arrears payment taken from the electricity meter. There has been no discussion, no evidence to support their claim and in 4 years no correspondence about this alleged debt. What concerns me is that they have simply decided they're going to take £5 a week from me and that is that. Any other creditor would need to prove in court if necessary that his case was valid but it seems UW have me by the balls as they can simply remotely change my weekly repayment. Can anyone offer advice what to do next?

chanz4

If you used and never paid anyone, whats the issue

Cardew

We are not allowed new threads on UW. I suggest you move it to the 'big' UW thread. The Mods might move it there anyway.

Brotybob

Hey, no one said I didn't pay for it. As far as I was concerned I paid by monthly direct debit and when the changeover happened there was no final bill demanding this money. 4 years later a bill drops through the post how would you feel?

Cardew

Without being UW specific(not sure how long this thread will last!) the losing company have the option to prevent the switch if the customer has a debt.

With a debt of £1517 no company would have to let the customer leave - so presumably there was an error in their accounting.

They clearly have to give you chapter and verse with bills of how you owe such a large amount, and give you the right to challenge.

macman

They can pursue the debt for up to 6 years, so well within time.