Problem with supplier

alphabet_soup

I'll try to keep this as brief as I can, but do let me know if you think I need to add more details

I moved my business into new premises back in April. Before I moved in, my landlord gave me the electricity meter readings and told me who the current electricity supplier was. I decided I didn't want them as a supplier, so informed them in writing of this, and I gave them the date I was moving in. I also gave them the meter readings.

After a few days and just an automatic 'we have received your email and will respond in due course' reply, I emailed again to confirm they have received my first email. Again, no response, and by this time I had moved into the offices. My new suppliers informed me that they were unable to take me on until the old supplier 'released me'.

To cut a very long story short, after emails 2-3 times a week for the first three weeks or so as well as several phone calls, and then daily emails for the last ten days, I have finally had an email back (yes, it has taken them over a month!) They have said I am free to instruct a new supplier, but not until I have settled the 'small outstanding balance' of around £100 on the account, which they are charging me for the first week or so of my tenancy.

My question is, must I pay this? As far as I am concerned, I am not, and have never been their customer. They were told of the date I was moving in, and I made sure I did this before my actual moving date. I don't understand how they are trying to charge me for a service from them I made clear I did not want.

Any advice, either way, would be welcome.

Cardew

Certainly with a domestic account you would be liable to pay the old supplier for any used electricity as you would have been on a legally binding 'deemed contract'.

I suspect it will be exactly the same principle for a business contract as it is a provision of The Electricity Act.

It is possible to switch suppliers in advance of occupying the property, but the process takes several weeks and the new supplier has to clear the meter reading with the old supplier.

If you use any electricity during the several weeks change-over period you have entered into a 'deemed contract' with the old supplier.

So it would appear that the old supplier is entitled to charge you for that period.

alphabet_soup

Ah. *sigh*

Will hop off my high horse then...