How does this happen??-Eon/Npower/Scot Power reps comments welcome as well

kirkbyinfurnesslad_2

Someone was telling me for years how they get away with paying just a few pounds a month for gas/elec and has done this for over 10 years and owing thousands to various suppliers

They state they give false meter readings to a supplier that means bills are literally a few quid for a period of 2 years,they dont allow meter reader in. After 2 years the meters are supposed to be checked, so they move supplier,

Give new supplier correct readings

Old supplier queries very high readings (talking over 2k of usage), makes up some rubbish about some kind of business that uses lot of energy over last few months)

Old supplier then accepts correct readings after some back and forth with new supplier

The person then arranges for the meters to be read in person and starts the cycle again

They then dont pay the loosing supplier anything

Is this a common thing?

Cardew

I don't understand the 'cunning plan'.

When a customer switches supplier, the new(gaining) supplier has to agree the meter reading with the old(losing) supplier.

If the 'Old supplier then accepts correct readings' they will want payment for the £2k.

The customer giving the reason for the discrepancy in meter readings by ' making up some rubbish about some kind of business that uses lot of energy over last few months' just means that they should pay for that heavy usage.

You seem to be suggesting that 'a kind of business that uses a lot of energy' doesn't have to pay for that energy.

kirkbyinfurnesslad_2

Sorry ive just edited the post

They do this to avoid paying anything to the old supplier, so they get a massive bill, they say the old supplier cant do anything, such as a pre payment meter as they no longer supply the property

Ich_2

You seem to be suggesting that 'a kind of business that uses a lot of energy' doesn't have to pay for that energy.

I think the supplier change gets put through and the old supplier will then send a final account, this account is then not paid! Eventually, I guess, court action may commence which would result in his credit rating being trashed

kirkbyinfurnesslad_2

I dont think said person worries about that and stated all he got were phone calls and letters and nothing ever happened. Ill ask him if he got taken to court though

Pineapple88

Surely his credit rating will be trashed? He may not know they have got a CCJ against him especially if he has moved house. I hope it catches up with him when he tries to apply for any type of credit!

How long has he been doing this? If he has been at the same address then at some point he will have to go back to a supplier he has been with before and they will hit him with his old bill!

Does he also do this with other bills?

Cardew

Sorry but the 'cunning plan' still won't work.

The old(losing) supplier will simply veto the switch.

If a customer is in(heavy) debt to the old supplier, then that supplier can refuse to allow the switch.

As soon as the losing/gaining suppliers cannot agree meter readings, the old supplier will be aware that they are owed a lot of money and the switch will not take place.

If the provision, that the old supplier can block a switch if there is a debt, was not in place, then as you indicate some people would switch regularly leaving a trail of debts with each company.

kirkbyinfurnesslad_2

Sorry Cardew but your wrong

The meter readings are not given until the switch is completed so the is no possibility of the older supplier to veto the switch. The old supplier wont know about the debt until the switch is completed and meter readings given which would generate the very high bills

The loosing supplier can not do anything about this as they the new supplier will now "own" the supply so to speak

He also said he sometimes had to take pictures of the meter and send of to both suppliers

Pinapple88 i dont think he cares about a credit rating. Yes he said he does same kind of thing with water meter but obviously not swapping suppliers just low readings

chanz4

Does your friend think suppliers dont talk?

kirkbyinfurnesslad_2

chanz4 wrote: »

Does your friend think suppliers dont talk?

No idea!, but would DPA come in to question here?

All i can say is ive seen the proof it works, when i asked him to show me

Cardew

kirkbyinfurnesslad wrote: »

Sorry Cardew but your wrong

The meter readings are not given until the switch is completed so the is no possibility of the older supplier to veto the switch. The old supplier wont know about the debt until the switch is completed and meter readings given which would generate the very high bills

The loosing supplier can not do anything about this as they the new supplier will now "own" the supply so to speak

He also said he sometimes had to take pictures of the meter and send of to both suppliers

Pinapple88 i dont think he cares about a credit rating. Yes he said he does same kind of thing with water meter but obviously not swapping suppliers just low readings

Am I wrong?

The other point where your cunning plan might fall down is that it is part of the switching procedure for Utility companies to check the credit record of new applicants.

Even if your plan worked once(and I don't think it would) then how do you(sorry your friend;)) propose to overcome the credit record.

It is also pertinent to point out that the scheme is criminally fraudulent.