can anyone help

mrsheen01

Hi , I wonder if anyone can help. I switched energy provider about 18 months ago. A direct debit was set up on my current account, the details of which I checked, I then forgot all about it until recently when I discovered that the energy provider has not taken a single payment from me. on checking my power account I find that I owe in excess of £1500 , my question is this , am I still liable for this and if so can the energy company demand payment in full ( I haven't got this kind of money lying about). I have had no communication from the company in question and therefore assume they are unaware of this situation , thanking you in advance

macman

Have you actually been billed in the last 18 months? Have you submitted regular readings? Has the meter been read by their agent ?It's not clear in this case if the back-billing rule will apply or not. If if does, they can back bill a year. If it doesn't, then yes, the full amount is payable, as you've used the energy (and have enjoyed 18m interest free credit) However the norm is that they will give you the same period to repay it that the debt built up in-so 18m. So the debt will recovered by additional payments on top of your normal monthly DD.
But what happened to the money that was not going out on DD-you surely noticed an extra £100 a month or so in your account?

mrsheen01

ok , I have just checked online , I opened the account on 23/02/13,with meter reading submitted on 02/03/13(customer reading), 16/7/13 meter read my bill currently shows a balance of £1131 as at 27/11/13

matelodave

How can you not notice that your bank account has £1000 more in it than you thought. Even though you may not have had a bill or they haven't been taking the DD you should have the money sitting in your bank earning interest.
Can we all assume that you've got so much floating about that a £100 or so at the end of a month isn't apparent or don't you ever bother to check your bank accounts or bills.
There is no reason why you should get away with not having to pay It's you who should take charge of your accounts & bills and to ensure that the bills, consumption & payments are correct.