Direct debit massively underestimated true costs

Janarobbie

Three years ago I signed up for direct debit payments on my EDF electricity account. The monthly payments were changed by EDF every few months to reflect the amount of power I was using. Or so I thought. When I switched suppliers last month, I received a final bill for almost £700 from EDF. They had been undercharging me quite considerably, despite meter readings being sent to them. They admitted there had been a computer glitch on assessing the DD payments.

Now they have offered to discount the bill by almost £100 but at the same time have sent warning letters saying they are going to visit my home to collect the money or fit a prepayment meter. The complaints department does not tell the collections department that they are investigating my case.

Has this DD fiasco affected anyone else, and what has been the outcome?

[Deleted User]

Have you got proof that you sent them the meter readings?

Also did you check the bills once they where received to see if this reflected on the bills aswell.

I would maybe push them to ask for a further reduction in the total cost of the bill.

Dxxx

Wywth

Janarobbie wrote: »

Three years ago I signed up for direct debit payments on my EDF electricity account. The monthly payments were changed by EDF every few months to reflect the amount of power I was using. Or so I thought. When I switched suppliers last month, I received a final bill for almost £700 from EDF. They had been undercharging me quite considerably, despite meter readings being sent to them. They admitted there had been a computer glitch on assessing the DD payments.

Now they have offered to discount the bill by almost £100 but at the same time have sent warning letters saying they are going to visit my home to collect the money or fit a prepayment meter. The complaints department does not tell the collections department that they are investigating my case.

Has this DD fiasco affected anyone else, and what has been the outcome?

If you agree with the amount owed, then you'll have to pay it.

If debt collectors are called in, it'll only add to the amount you owe big style. You may also end up with adverse entries on your credit file which could cause you difficulty in getting any form of credit in future (for up to 6 years)

However, EDF cannot install a PPM as they are no longer your supplier.

I suggest if you cannot afford to pay the full amount immediately, then you call EDF immediately and try to negotiate a mutually agreeable repayment plan.

Janarobbie

Settlement was reached today with EDF; they have agreed to reduce my bill from £700 to £500 because of the ''erroneous'' direct debit amounts and the distress caused by the threatening letters.