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Question for the Scottish Power rep

jalexa
jalexa Posts: 3,448 Forumite
edited 14 November 2012 at 9:12AM in Energy
This is your online description http://www.scottishpower.co.uk/support-centre/payments/direct-debit-explained.aspx

I think we (I?) may have been here before. IIRC, you operate a 12 month review cycle with (possibly) 3 month interim reviews. Can you explain the essential difference between the 12 month review and any 3 month reviews.

Comments

  • jalexa wrote: »
    This is your online description http://www.scottishpower.co.uk/support-centre/payments/direct-debit-explained.aspx

    I think we (I?) may have been here before. IIRC, you operate a 12 month review cycle with (possibly) 3 month interim reviews. Can you explain the essential difference between the 12 month review and any 3 month reviews.

    So they can stitch you up over the winter periods when you use more of their product, that's what keeps happening to me anyway.
    You then end up spending hours getting you monthly direct debits put back down to a reasonable figure even when your hundreds of pounds in credit.

    Bandits at 12 O'clock.

    :( :mad: :whistle:
  • jalexa
    jalexa Posts: 3,448 Forumite

    Bandits at 12 O'clock.

    :( :mad: :whistle:

    Ha, ha, ha, 12 O'clock come and gone and no sign of the bandits:D
  • backfoot
    backfoot Posts: 2,700 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    My impression is that there is no difference. I think the process makes an annual estimate, takes into account the current debit/credit balance and divides by twelve.

    I recall them saying they had a percentage parameter above/below which they wouldn't amend the DD. Something like 5% or 10%.

    Then at the fourth quarterly review they call it an annual review.

    In effect it's a rolling opportunity to amend your DD.

    Of course, I could be completely wrong, but as the SP Reps can't be bothered anymore :(, then we can only debate it based on our own experiences.
  • jalexa
    jalexa Posts: 3,448 Forumite
    edited 15 November 2012 at 10:14AM
    backfoot wrote: »
    In effect it's a rolling opportunity to amend your DD.

    Of course, I could be completely wrong, but as the SP Reps can't be bothered anymore :(, then we can only debate it based on our own experiences.
    Yes. My recollection of the exchange was that it was stated to be a 12 month rolling calculation (though the "credit reward" is only calculated every 12 months at 'annual review'). So there is a non contentious difference which it is very disappointing that the Scottish Power rep has felt unable to point out. Very poor:( even in comparison with the NPower rep who has today felt able to confirm there should be a bill after 6 months:T.

    A agree with the concept of 12 month rolling calculations (if that is what it is). It is interesting to note that Edf have a fixed review year but all their consumption stats and projections are on a rolling 12 month basis:rotfl: and vary during the fixed year. Hardly surprising they struggle with the calculation. Unless it is deliberate obfuscation.
  • Scottish_Power
    Scottish_Power Posts: 1,263 Organisation Representative
    Hi folks sorry for the delay in responding to this. We will always review the account once a year, however if at any of the other three billing points during the year the DD is off-track then we will reassess the payment - up or down - and issue a bill. it is a rolling calculation but unless there is a large variation in your consumption there shouldn't be a change. Hope this helps. Thanks David @ ScottishPower
    Official Company Representative
    I am the official company representative of Scottish Power. MSE has given permission for me to post in response to queries about the company, so that I can help solve issues. You can see my name on the companies with permission to post list. I am not allowed to tout for business at all. If you believe I am please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com This does NOT imply any form of approval of my company or its products by MSE"
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