Being chased

MUTTL

Hi All
I have a property in Scotland(I mention that, in case Scottish law is different)
In Feb 2013 I changed my duel fuel supplier from British Gas(Scottish Gas)To EDF.
I have now been threatened by BG/SG for £164 from that changeover time!!!
I was paying them via direct debit.
I have asked several times, for them to send a copy of the amounts/periods covered etc, to be sent by registered/signed for post(It was a paperless account).
They have never done so.
I have dealt with 4 different companies(inc BG/SG themselves & 3 debt collection agencies)over this period......NEVER saying that I would not pay.
NOW I have been informed that power companies CANNOT chase bills(real or not)that are over 12 months old.
IS THIS CORRECT?
Thanks.

System

Direct debits are, as I am sure, you know only an estimate. If you read this forum, you will see that there are other BG customers who have found themselves in a similar situation when BG failed to collect the final DD. Sadly, this is still a debt that will have to be re-paid and it is unlikely that the Back Billing Code will apply.

I suggest that you raise a formal Complaint against BG seeking confirmation of the amount owed with some discount for the inconvenience caused. You may get lucky but you may not.

naedanger

MUTTL wrote: »

Hi All
I have a property in Scotland(I mention that, in case Scottish law is different)
In Feb 2013 I changed my duel fuel supplier from British Gas(Scottish Gas)To EDF.
I have now been threatened by BG/SG for £164 from that changeover time!!!
I was paying them via direct debit.
I have asked several times, for them to send a copy of the amounts/periods covered etc, to be sent by registered/signed for post(It was a paperless account).
They have never done so.
I have dealt with 4 different companies(inc BG/SG themselves & 3 debt collection agencies)over this period......NEVER saying that I would not pay.
NOW I have been informed that power companies CANNOT chase bills(real or not)that are over 12 months old.
IS THIS CORRECT?
Thanks.

If think what you have been informed about is the back billing code. It is here:

http://www.energy-uk.org.uk/files/docs/Industry%20codes/Code%20of%20Practice%20for%20accurate%20bills/code_of_practice_for_accurate_bills_-_back_billing_for_domestic_customers.pdf

You would be best reading it yourself as its application depends on many case specific factors.

MUTTL

Thanks for the replies.

Cardew

MUTTL wrote: »

Hi All
.
NOW I have been informed that power companies CANNOT chase bills(real or not)that are over 12 months old.
IS THIS CORRECT?
Thanks.

As said above, read the backbilling code, but from the few details you have given it doesn't appear that it covers your situation.


Firstly! Any valid debt can be pursued for five years in Scotland(6 in England/Wales).


By that I mean if you owed any company(not just utility companies) £164 in Feb 2013 they have until Feb 2018 to raise a bill and then can chase the bill. So quite clearly BG can chase a valid bill from Feb 2013.


The fact you were paying by Direct Debit is not a factor, when the account closes you could be in credit or debit and you pay the balance or receive a refund.