Energy companies passing the blame - advice please

Hmsmith24

Hi all,
I could really do with some advice. I tried to switch from EDF to British Gas when we first moved into our flat at the end of August. We applied online and told it would be processed in 6 weeks. Now, nearly 4 months later, it still hasn't been switched.

We have been backwards and forwards between the 2 companies asking for an explanation. British Gas have said EDF are refusing the switch as we have an old economy 9 meter which makes the switch harder. EDF have said that British Gas won't accept our MPANs (whatever they are). Neither have asked for any money at any point!!

Most recently British Gas gave us an official switch date (which has now passed) and said it was sorted and EDF have just sent us another letter saying they cannot process the switch again.

I am literally at wits end, they both seem to be blaming each other and no one actually has any answers. I have complained to EDF via email twice and on the phone once and I have either been ignored or hung up on. British Gas have said there is nothing else they can do. I'm also really worried that if it does ever get sorted we will suddenly get one huge bill which I am going to struggle to pay.

If anyone has any advice about what I can do to get this sorted I would really appreciate it - I actually just want to pay my electricity bill (never thought I would say that!!)

Thank you!!!

undaunted

Why would you get a huge bill (presumably you are still being supplied & billed by EDF & paying that bill)?

Beyond this I can't understand why anyone chases any energy co.like this. If they can't even attract your business in an efficient manner what hope is there for the future? I'd therefore say try elsewhere & see whether they can do any better.

You could alternatively try a complaint to the Energy Ombudsman & see whether they can encourage the two companies to sort it out I suppose

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

I assume you're in one of the supply regions that edf took over following privatisation - Eastern, London, SEEBOARD or SWEB. Your mpan will have either a 10, 12, 19 or 22 at the start of the 13 digit identifier.

Economy 9 is an old tariff for certain unusual set ups. The 5 major companies that took over electricity supply (BG are excluded as they got all legacy gas customers) are obliged to keep offering these "old tariffs". However, it effectively means you can't switch, as nobody else will offer these tariffs - it's expensive to cater for such a relatively small number of customers.

I believe the only options are to stick with edf, or change the meter set up.