First Utility cuts costs for paying cash – but switch to direct debit to save on ener 18 February 2014 at 1:45PM in Energy 8 replies 1.8K views

Former_MSE_Michael

"First Utility has cut its fees if you pay for energy by cash or cheque. But switch to direct debit to save on bills..."

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First Utility cuts costs for paying cash – but switch to direct debit to save on energy bills



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penrhyn

From what I read in the forums the best advice would be to avoid FU.

*Jane*

Worse company I have ever dealt with. They dont take the dd payments anyway so avoid. Wish I had done more research before I changed to them.

Consumerist

Oh what a surprise that npower charges the most for not paying by Direct Debit.

They really do want to make sure that their "system" is capable of ruining your life or they'll charge you handsomely if you try to avoid it.

What a company! :eek:

Alex444

First Utility not capable of setting up a Direct Debit, still trying after nearly 2 years.

penrhyn

You may well think that, I couldn't possibly comment.

wakeupalarm

If they don't set up the DD, does that mean you can switch to them, use the energy and switch away? Free energy sounds good. I only ask because quite a few people have criticised them for customer service and failing to set up payment but no one has ever complained about then being chased for energy usage.

Consumerist

wakeupalarm wrote: »

If they don't set up the DD, does that mean you can switch to them, use the energy and switch away? Free energy sounds good. I only ask because quite a few people have criticised them for customer service and failing to set up payment but no one has ever complained about then being chased for energy usage.

I suspect they would object to the switch if you had a debit balance.

If you fancy a fight, you could try a complaint if they do object because, according to the Standard Licence Conditions, they should not object to a switch on the grounds of debt unless they have sent you a demand for payment which has remained unpaid for [STRIKE]30[/STRIKE] 28 days.

Edit
Condition 1. Definitions for standard conditions (Gas)

Outstanding Charges
means the amount of any Charges for the Supply of Gas which are due to the licensee from a Domestic Customer, have been demanded of that Domestic Customer by the licensee in Writing at least 28 days previously and remain unpaid;

A similar definition applies to the electricity supply licence.

Consumerist

RomeoFirst:UtilitySales wrote: »

I'm sure that somewhere on the line there has been a mistake made that can easily be fixed.

So why don't they fix it?