First Utility issues

ZRodriguez

Hi all,

I never posted on here before, and apologies if a tread on this already here, but I am having major issues with First Utility.

(Be warned it's a long story!)

I moved into a flat and had to go with FirstUtility until my provider could take over the gas and electric - no problem I was told. Anywhere they have been issues with getting the gas transferred. Both companies are claiming that they have the connection, including two different MPR numbers (this has been happening since June/July 12 time). After a couple of months and calls back and forth I cancelled my direct debit with FirstUtility as didn't trust them and started paying each month when billed. Anyway come November and I get a letter from a debt collection agency saying that I owed FirstUtility money - I didn't know this as I never got a bill and had assumed that finally things had transferred over. I never got through to the DC company so called FirstUtility to complain but also to pay off anything I owed as didn't want this hanging over me. As said I called initially to complain and got told I needed to email them. In this phone call they also changed over the MPR number to match the one my provider was using as apparently this would solve the issue (why they didn't do this in the first place I don't know!). So I emailed to complain and finally got a reply this week, after a couple of emails I am now told that my account is with a company called CCSG, another debt collection agency and that FirstUtility can't talk to me anymore. I have asked them why they have forwarded me to this company etc and have just tried to contact CCSG to find out what on earth is going on.

Has anyone had similar issues with FirstUtility or can give me advice on what to do. I really don't want a debt collection agency on my back, as far as I know I don't owe FU any money (not had a bill etc) and think they should compensate me for all the issues and the fact that I seem to be the middle man going back and forth between each utility provider, something I would never dream one of my customers doing.

I have told the debt collection agency that I am seeking legal advice as really don't know what else to do. As much as I want to get the money back I am owed since June/July time I now want to just forget I ever dealt with FU in the first place as it is causing to much stress.

Can anyone help?

Zoe

P.S. Sorry for the long post!

dogshome

Technically if you have not had a bill you have no debt, so FU's involvement of D/Collectors is premature to say the least.

1) Was your Email headed "Complaint", or was the word "Complaint" used in the text? - If this is the case, all debt collection presures should cease and FU had 56 days to resolve the problem, and if they didn't within that timeline you go to the Ombudsman - So if 56 days have elapsed since you sent that Email you go to the Ombudsman now

2) If your Email did not include the word Complaint, then send one that does with Complaint as a heading, set in bold - This should stop any further pressure from D/Collectors. FU will then have 56 days to resolve the matter and if they don't, it's off to the Ombudsman you go.