scottish power trying to charge me exist fees

backfoot

scottishpower_company_representative wrote: »

We don't charge cancellation fees that have been exempted by regulations. We will charge fees if a customer moves in the middle of a product term, where fees are attached to the product, except for price increase where we have been notified of a request to cancel.

I must have imagined all these.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3998575

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3509087

A wider Forum search would demonstrate other examples. Or a chat with Graeme who was the Rep, will explain the lets charge it and worry it about it later policy.

Scottish_Power

Hopefully the implementation of our new billing system will prevent these issues from arising in the future. David

backfoot

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4312659

Indeed.:)

BarRat

I am in a similar situation. Got the letter from Scottish Power informing us of price increase so used a compare & switch service to find a better deal. The switch over happens after contract ends and they were informed by new company this was going to take effect before the end of contract & price increase. Scottish power have informed me over the phone that a £51 cancellation fee applies as new energy supplier informed them we were going to switch before we informed Scottish Power of this fact.
I feel this is unfair as we are still going to be charged a cancellation fee even though the contract with SP will have already ended by the time the switch over takes place. Who told them first is surely irrelevant as long as they are told before they renew the contract at the higher price! This clause in small print in their contract is just a license for them to claw back money even though they have lost a customer and incidentally a way of ensuring that customer never returns to SP
Any advice gladly received

neil9313

BarRat wrote: »

I am in a similar situation. Got the letter from Scottish Power informing us of price increase so used a compare & switch service to find a better deal. The switch over happens after contract ends and they were informed by new company this was going to take effect before the end of contract & price increase. Scottish power have informed me over the phone that a £51 cancellation fee applies as new energy supplier informed them we were going to switch before we informed Scottish Power of this fact.
I feel this is unfair as we are still going to be charged a cancellation fee even though the contract with SP will have already ended by the time the switch over takes place. Who told them first is surely irrelevant as long as they are told before they renew the contract at the higher price! This clause in small print in their contract is just a license for them to claw back money even though they have lost a customer and incidentally a way of ensuring that customer never returns to SP
Any advice gladly received

Is your new actual supply date still within your SP contract?

backfoot

My advice is that they do not have an unenforceable contract to levy the £51. They are also breaching Ofgem guidelines.

If it was me I would be asking for compensation due to their attempt to charge you £51 when they have no such right. I would suggest £51 would be fair.

You may wish to let Ofgem know about your experience.

I would comment that SP would be wise to make a voluntary declaration to Ofgem that there are customers who will have been incorrectly charged since the ruling.

Scottish_Power

BarRat if you e-mail account details to [EMAIL="onlinecomplaints@scottishpower.com"]onlinecomplaints@scottishpower.com[/EMAIL] I will waive the cancellation fee. Thanks David

BarRat

New supply starts on 18th Dec and SP tell me our contract with them finishes at end of November.

Ofgem website says they will not act until eight weeks after complaint has been lodged with SP and no resolution agreed upon

backfoot

BarRat wrote: »

New supply starts on 18th Dec and SP tell me our contract with them finishes at end of November.

Ofgem website says they will not act until eight weeks after complaint has been lodged with SP and no resolution agreed upon

Yes, if they don't remove the charges and satisfy your claim for compensation, then use the Energy Ombudsman after eight weeks.

Let us know how you get on.:)

BarRat

Cancellation fee has been refunded.
Thank you David :-)