Can somebody add your name to a utility bill without your consent

shaney1981

Hi,

I am having an issue due to relationship breakdown and my name has been added to a utility bill which was never previously my responsibility or in my name without my consent. I am currently being pursued by the supplier for payment and am going to complain to the ombudsman.... They have managed to set up a separate account (again without discussing it with me) yet are continuing to insist I must pay..... Help

macman

You can't take it to the Ombudsman until you have exhausted the supplier's own complaints process and reached deadlock, or not had a response within the specified period.

shaney1981

I have exhausted their complaints procedure (this involved me ringing them, not the other way around to highlight the issue, then me not agreeing with their point of view.) I then sent an email and that was it......

spacey2012

Have you used ANY of the utility in question.

This is very important.

Buzby

If it is for the address you live at, your chance of avoiding responsibility are negligible - the name on the bill can be changed and amended very easily. Since the supplier will disconnect if bills are not paid, there is little point saying its not your bill.

spiro

shaney1981 wrote: »

I have exhausted their complaints procedure (this involved me ringing them, not the other way around to highlight the issue, then me not agreeing with their point of view.) I then sent an email and that was it......

If you want to raise a complaint you should do it in writing clearly labelling it COMPLAINT, they then have 8 weeks to respond.

macman

shaney1981 wrote: »

I have exhausted their complaints procedure (this involved me ringing them, not the other way around to highlight the issue, then me not agreeing with their point of view.) I then sent an email and that was it......

Spiro is correct. A phone call or email won't do it, you need to make a formal complaint (it should be headed 'Complaint'). Put it in writing, and send by RD. The clock is then ticking on them.

Wywth

shaney1981 wrote: »

Hi,

I am having an issue due to relationship breakdown and my name has been added to a utility bill which was never previously my responsibility or in my name without my consent. I am currently being pursued by the supplier for payment and am going to complain to the ombudsman.... They have managed to set up a separate account (again without discussing it with me) yet are continuing to insist I must pay..... Help

Before the relationship breakdown were you living at the same address and using some of the energy supplied?

Were you named on the TA (or a named owner if applicable)?

Wywth

shaney1981 wrote: »

I have exhausted their complaints procedure (this involved me ringing them, not the other way around to highlight the issue, then me not agreeing with their point of view.) I then sent an email and that was it......

That does not constitute an exhaustion of their complaints procedure

chanz4

Op did you use it, was your name on the tenancy that agrees to pay utilitys... if answer to all of these is yes then Im afraid you are