Spark Energy - advice needed on how to ensure a smooth transfer from them.

LittleYoda

Hello

I have just moved into a rented property (yesterday) and the letting agents have allocated Spark Energy as my gas and electric supplier.

I was about to set up the DD on-line and thought I would do a cursory search for Spark Energy on-line. More than one negative review came up, and I have since read a few more reviews on this site ( again, not great reviews.)

I am switching provider and used the MSE Cheap Energy Club to source the best deal and to arrange transfer.

I am just a bit concerned that Spark Energy will try and make the transfer as difficult as possible and hit me with an unreasonable bill, despite being in the property little over 24 hours.

1) How long will the transfer take?
2) Without knowing the exact date of the transfer, how can I ensure that the final bill from Spark Energy is based on the correct readings?

Has anybody any other advice to ensure that the transfer takes place as smoothly and as quickly as possible, and that I don't get stiffed by Spark Energy.

Thank you for any suggestions.

kirkbyinfurnesslad_2

Seems a common thing for agencies to do.

They obviously get a commission

JuicyJesus

kirkbyinfurnesslad wrote: »

Seems a common thing for agencies to do.

They obviously get a commission

Actually spot on. Spark pay a huge commission to agencies and landlords for ensuring their tenants go with them.

Too bad they're sh*t.

Ken68

Hi Yoda....watch out for cancellation charges !!!!

Richie-from-the-Boro

LittleYoda wrote: »

Hello

I have just moved into a rented property (yesterday) and the letting agents have allocated Spark Energy as my gas and electric supplier.

I was about to set up the DD on-line and thought I would do a cursory search for Spark Energy on-line. More than one negative review came up, and I have since read a few more reviews on this site ( again, not great reviews.)

I am switching provider and used the MSE Cheap Energy Club to source the best deal and to arrange transfer.

I am just a bit concerned that Spark Energy will try and make the transfer as difficult as possible and hit me with an unreasonable bill, despite being in the property little over 24 hours.

1) How long will the transfer take?
2) Without knowing the exact date of the transfer, how can I ensure that the final bill from Spark Energy is based on the correct readings?

Has anybody any other advice to ensure that the transfer takes place as smoothly and as quickly as possible, and that I don't get stiffed by Spark Energy.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Put spark into the search on the TRHS of this very forum and get ready for a whole shed load of problems.

ValHaller

Ken68 wrote: »

Hi Yoda....watch out for cancellation charges !!!!

OP should be on a deemed contract for the first 28 days in the property for which no cancellation charges would be due.

dogshome

You have read the blogs and are quite rightly are expecting trouble.

The advice is to keep an accurate record of your weekly meter readings.
Sparks usual tactic to stop a Switch is to claim there is debt on the account, whilst at the same time issueing bills, (or not), that make it impossible for the customer to know any amount that is owed

Ofgem the regulator, have a guideline that customers should be allowed to Switch where any debt is below £200, but Spark have been blocking Switches for alledged amounts as low as £50

OK - The moment you get a bill that is incorrect for any reason whatsoever, WRITE to Spark heading the letter Complaint - Now for the WMD, Spark are under investigation by Ofgem at present, so copy your letter to Ofgem and mark the original to Spark that you have done so

Wywth

LittleYoda wrote: »

Hello

I have just moved into a rented property (yesterday) and the letting agents have allocated Spark Energy as my gas and electric supplier.

I was about to set up the DD on-line and thought I would do a cursory search for Spark Energy on-line. More than one negative review came up, and I have since read a few more reviews on this site ( again, not great reviews.)

I am switching provider and used the MSE Cheap Energy Club to source the best deal and to arrange transfer.

I am just a bit concerned that Spark Energy will try and make the transfer as difficult as possible and hit me with an unreasonable bill, despite being in the property little over 24 hours.

1) How long will the transfer take?
2) Without knowing the exact date of the transfer, how can I ensure that the final bill from Spark Energy is based on the correct readings?

Has anybody any other advice to ensure that the transfer takes place as smoothly and as quickly as possible, and that I don't get stiffed by Spark Energy.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Any supplier can only bill you in accordance with their tariff.

A switch of supplier typically takes 4-6 weeks.

You provide the start reading to the new supplier, and the new supplier passes this back to old supplier for them to create your final bill.
As long as the final reading on the outgoing supplier = the start reading of the new supplier, then don't worry (unless that readaing is hugely different to what you think it ought to have been)

abby1234519

Not that this will help but.....I started renting a house on March 28th. Two weeks ago Npower were able to get the electricity supply from Spark. Spark have not let go of the gas account and haven't responded to 7 emails from me.

I'm just at a loss as to what to do!!! I've taken a few meter readings but as of yet have not paid Spark for anything because they haven't contacted me. Frustrating doesn't describe it

Wywth

abby1234519 wrote: »

Not that this will help but.....I started renting a house on March 28th. Two weeks ago Npower were able to get the electricity supply from Spark. Spark have not let go of the gas account and haven't responded to 7 emails from me.

I'm just at a loss as to what to do!!! I've taken a few meter readings but as of yet have not paid Spark for anything because they haven't contacted me. Frustrating doesn't describe it

I would suggest you start with nPower and ask when they plan to supply you gas from.

If there's a problem, I'm sure they will advise you, but gas and electriciuty don't always switch on the same day even from the same supplier. (but 2 weeks difference is getting on a bit unless an IGT is involved)

abby1234519

Well its nearly 2.5 months since Npower were asked to switch. I was wrong actually, its 3 weeks ago since they sent the letter saying spark energy had refused to switch and 2.5 weeks since I asked NPower why they couldnt switch.

So I wish the OP good luck getting the switch!