EDF Chasing Backpayment of 14mths

maverickmac

We have recently had a bill from EDF for over £1200 with them claiming that we haven't been paying enough over 14mths due to them billing us only for gas and not dual which we signed up for and our bills state. This is despite receiving uninterrupted service for that entire time. They have only offered a goodwill gesture of £100 for their mistake to reduce the balance but want payment. Surely if this is their mistake they can't do this.

To make matters worse we have recently split and with us both trying to run a home each and sharing the care of 6 year old twins the stress and financial issues this is causing will ruin us.

Can anyone please give me some sound advice please

Thank you ^JM

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

They should allow you a reasonable period to pay it off in installments. Other than that, you've used the electricity and you have to pay for it.

Also, £1200 just on electricity is a massive amount. Are these figures based on actual meter readings?

maverickmac

They've sent us the whole period bills which I'm going through as we speak. I totally agree with you sentiment "we've used it so we owe it". I'm a firm believer "it is what it is" but the estimated dual DD is what we payed so where the extras from and yes £1200 does seem a lot even for 14 mths, I'm trying to work out. Thank you for your response. ^JM

dogshome

From the detail in your post, it appears that you can certainly claim some relief under the "12 month back-billing ageement"

EDF have signed up for this, which means that as they have failed to bill your Elec consumption for 14 months, thay can now ony bill you the past 12 months

The 12 months back is counted from the date on the £1200 bill they have sent you, so look at billing detail and work it out for yourself - Don't rely on EDF's figures - Start the ball rolling by writing a letter headed Complaint

footyguy

maverickmac wrote: »

We have recently had a bill from EDF for over £1200 with them claiming that we haven't been paying enough over 14mths due to them billing us only for gas and not dual which we signed up for and our bills state. This is despite receiving uninterrupted service for that entire time. They have only offered a goodwill gesture of £100 for their mistake to reduce the balance but want payment. Surely if this is their mistake they can't do this.

To make matters worse we have recently split and with us both trying to run a home each and sharing the care of 6 year old twins the stress and financial issues this is causing will ruin us.

Can anyone please give me some sound advice please

Thank you ^JM

Who do you think should pay for the 14 months consumption of electricity you have enjoyed? :huh:

footyguy

maverickmac wrote: »

They've sent us the whole period bills which I'm going through as we speak. I totally agree with you sentiment "we've used it so we owe it". I'm a firm believer "it is what it is" but the estimated dual DD is what we payed so where the extras from and yes £1200 does seem a lot even for 14 mths, I'm trying to work out. Thank you for your response. ^JM

Oh good

You should have a statement that fully explains how the amount now owed is arrived at. If not, contact EDF.

If you do, but don't understand it, either post a copy here, or take a copy to the CAB.

Check that the lastest meter readings used are actual and in accordance with your meter.;

molerat

dogshome wrote: »

From the detail in your post, it appears that you can certainly claim some relief under the "12 month back-billing ageement"

EDF have signed up for this, which means that as they have failed to bill your Elec consumption for 14 months, thay can now ony bill you the past 12 months

The 12 months back is counted from the date on the £1200 bill they have sent you, so look at billing detail and work it out for yourself - Don't rely on EDF's figures - Start the ball rolling by writing a letter headed Complaint

But it seems that the OP has made no effort to check that any bills received have been correct, made no effort to check & submit meter reads and no effort to keep an eye on their on line account. Yes EDF have screwed up but it is a 2 way street.

System

Back Billing Code:

http://www.energy-uk.org.uk/files/docs/Factsheets%20and%20guides/back_billing_consumer_guide.pdf

Note the obligations on the customer for BB to apply.

dogshome

It's OK to go on about checking bills, but the OP is a newbie and like 1000's of other customers he/she has only checked the bottom line on the bill, but not let us forget that we all wore L plates at one time

What's astounding about this one is that the OP has being paying D/Debits for duel fuel, which seem to have been more than totally soaked up by the Gas bill, leaving a £1200 debt on Elec - So for well over a year the D/Debit payments have not been enough to pay for the consumption, yet EDF to their shame haven't uttered a word

footyguy

I feel for the OP if they genuinely didn't realise they were only being charged for gas, but wouldn't want to give false hope that they can now get away with not paying.

Somone has to pay for the electricity consumed.

Perhaps they should read this, and consult a couple of comparison sites mentioned to see how much (or little) they should (or could) realistically be paying
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/you-switch-gas-electricity

Perhaps they could also speak with their energy provider on ways to reduce their energy consumption.
I do agree to use £1200 of electric in 14 months whilst paying presumably quite a large gas bill too, does seem like a heavy user ... and the best way to reduce cost in such circumstances would probably be to reduce consumption.