Are there consequences for not complying with energy ombudsman's decision?

geetar

Hi all,

I got annoyed with First Utility last year and switched to a new energy supplier. First Utility never sent me a final bill despite repeated requests for them to do so, but they chased me for payment of an arbitrary amount of money anyway. They called debt collectors on me so I eventually complained to the Energy Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman provided a resolution letter setting out the things First Utility must do. They included sending me a manual final bill with specific meter readings, crediting compensation to my account, sending a letter of apology and an assurance that my credit rating had not been damaged. They were meant to do this within four weeks. I heard nothing.

Today I received a bill from First Utility over 4 weeks past the deadline set by the ombudsman. It shows a credit of the compensation amount (as a BACS payment), but they have not provided an apology, the meter readings they have used are not right (in their favour), it is not a manual bill and there's no mention of my credit record.

So, my question is, are there any consequences for First Utility for not complying with the Ombudsman's ruling? Should I contact the Ombudsman again or start a new fight with First Utility before that?

Biscuit_Tin

geetar wrote: »

Hi all,

I got annoyed with First Utility last year and switched to a new energy supplier. First Utility never sent me a final bill despite repeated requests for them to do so, but they chased me for payment of an arbitrary amount of money anyway. They called debt collectors on me so I eventually complained to the Energy Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman provided a resolution letter setting out the things First Utility must do. They included sending me a manual final bill with specific meter readings, crediting compensation to my account, sending a letter of apology and an assurance that my credit rating had not been damaged. They were meant to do this within four weeks. I heard nothing.

Today I received a bill from First Utility over 4 weeks past the deadline set by the ombudsman. It shows a credit of the compensation amount (as a BACS payment), but they have not provided an apology, the meter readings they have used are not right (in their favour), it is not a manual bill and there's no mention of my credit record.

So, my question is, are there any consequences for First Utility for not complying with the Ombudsman's ruling? Should I contact the Ombudsman again or start a new fight with First Utility before that?

If you accept the resolution as proposed by the ombudsman (which you are not obliged to do), then the supplier will be compelled to abide by that resolution.

If you feel the supplier is not acting in accordance with the resolution agreed, by all means contact the ombudsman again - you should have the name and direct dial details of the individual at the ombudsman service that handled your complaint.