NPower backdating letters

Gloomendoom

Has anybody else had this problem?

I switched to NPower last November and the paperwork finally came though today. It gives us the option to use the standard tariff or Economy 7. We must make our choice within seven days of the date on the letter.

The date on the letter is the 16th January... eight days ago. :huh:

rogerblack

Is there a reason you think they backdated it, and it's not been delayed in the post?

Gloomendoom

rogerblack wrote: »

Is there a reason you think they backdated it, and it's not been delayed in the post?

I rang and questioned the hold up with the switch on the 17th and they didn't mention that the letter had already been sent, just that the contract was still at 'cool off'.

It could have been delayed, before or after it was put in the mail. However, as there is no postmark, it is impossible to tell. I'm just a bit annoyed because the contract defaults to the standard rate when we wanted to remain on E7.

It's no biggy as my wife has now said that she would probably prefer the standard rate after all. :doh:

t0rt0ise

Nobody should be on standard tariff. If you aren't on E7 then you should choose a cheaper online tariff. But is E7 cheaper for you? What sort of heating do you have? That would probably tell.

Wywth

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Has anybody else had this problem?

I switched to NPower last November and the paperwork finally came though today. It gives us the option to use the standard tariff or Economy 7. We must make our choice within seven days of the date on the letter.

The date on the letter is the 16th January... eight days ago. :huh:

When you switched to nPower, what tariff did you request as that is the tariff you should be on (assuming you have an appropriate meter)

Gloomendoom

Thanks for the replies.

I need to re-read the letter when I get home as there does seem to be some differences between what I thought I had asked for (through SimplySwitch) and what the letter says I am getting. I definitely asked for an E7 tariff as it does save us around £75 a year. However, that does depend on us using all our heavy load appliances at night and my wife has now said the she would rather pay a bit more and have the convenience of using them whenever she wants.

We are currently on E7 and have the appropriate meter.

25.6_Pre-contract_oblig

Hi Gloomendoom,

I've been away so I've not seen your thread.

It looks to me that you are another Customer who has been caught up in the mess that npower have caused (as they introduce their 'new system').
So, instead of getting a Contract within a week or two of starting to switch, so that you can check that all is OK (i.e. cool off), you have received your Welcome Pack on 24-Jan-2013. npower use TNT and so you can't tell how long it was 'in the post' - it could be 8 days but I agree it does seem to be a long time. It is also poor that the '7 days to decide' expired before you received the letter!

However, npower's own web site still says that you have 14 days cooling off.
How long does it take to switch energy supplier?
http://customerservices.npower.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/361/~/how-long-does-it-take-to-switch-energy-supplier%3Cbr%20/%3E%20%3F

"How long does it take to switch energy supplier?

Once you’ve completed an application to switch to npower, please allow 21 calendar days for your energy supply to move to us from your previous supplier. Please note that the 21 calendar days begins after any objections raised have been resolved, all relevant information has been received and the 'cooling off' period has ended for Residential customers.

The 'cooling off' period is for 14 days and gives you the right to amend your contract details or cancel the agreement.

If you haven’t already completed an application, it only takes a few minutes to switch supplier using our online form. Compare products to the find the right one at the right price for you."


As documented in
Warning: npower accept new customers without sending them a Contract
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4273611
There are lots of people having problems switching to npower.

We now have evidence of knock on effects of the 'new system' affecting existing Customers too.
If you are short of time just read the most recent posts (Page 8, Post #141 ff).


It is very good that you have now received the Contract.
However, some people have reported (e.g. Post #127) that there were still issues after they received their Contract so I recommend that you check that all is OK.

I agree with t0rt0ise that the Standard Tariff (from any Supplier) should be avoided.
If you now don't want E7 then choose a better tariff.

25.6_Pre-contract_oblig