Trying to escape from Npower

thestens

We have been trying to leave NPower since we moved into this house last April. Before we moved, we asked Ovo to supply electricity for us (we don't have gas) and so when we took over the existing provider, NPower, we didn't set up a direct debit as we thought we would be leaving them within weeks, so wanted to try to keep things simple(!!!)
Anyway, Ovo told us we had 2 meters so would have to pay 2 standing charges. We investigated and actually had 3. Asked NPower to come and update as only 1 seemed to move. They said we had to get an electrician to check first.
We did that and eventually (about a month ago) they sent someone to remove the meters and fit one new one.
So then we joined Money Saving Expert's scheme, applied to SSE. Thought job done, but no, they tell us we can't swap until NPower have registered the new meter - can take up to 90 days!!
Rang NPower this week to give a meter reading, told they had no knowledge of new meter, so 90 days only began this week!
Is there any way to speed this up and finally escape?
We also have no confidence that the amounts NPower have charged us are correct but really there seems to be no way of checking. We are still paying the bills without a direct debit so of course that also makes it more expensive, but don't want to let NPower loose on our money!!

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

19 months and this still isn't sorted :eek:

You should never have approached OVO before you moved, you can only initiate things when you actually own the property - the correct procedure is to give the incumbent supplier meter readings on the day you take ownership. This prevents you paying for the previous occupants usage. Although in this case it's irrelevant.

You have a complex meter set up. These are relatively rare, but in most cases you're tied to that supplier until you can get it removed.

If I were you I'd take play ball with npower, pay by DD to lower the costs, and investigate the possibility of getting GCH installed (assuming you own the property)

thestens

We did it by the book with OVO and supplied the reading on moving in. We gave them the reading that the previous occupier had left. They then found the National data base recorded 3 meters.
Since the meters have been replaced by one meter this now shows on the Data Base as restricted( locked) to NP. We were told by NP the alteration to derstricted( Unlocked) could take upto 90 days. Meanwhile NP have no record of the new meter eventhough a meter reader came and read the meter on Nov 21st assuring us that this reading would be the one NP would use for the bill. NP have no record of the reading.
GCH would be nice but a bit pricy as I guess the nearest mains is about 5 miles away.

nPower

thestens wrote: »

We have been trying to leave NPower since we moved into this house last April. Before we moved, we asked Ovo to supply electricity for us (we don't have gas) and so when we took over the existing provider, NPower, we didn't set up a direct debit as we thought we would be leaving them within weeks, so wanted to try to keep things simple(!!!)
Anyway, Ovo told us we had 2 meters so would have to pay 2 standing charges. We investigated and actually had 3. Asked NPower to come and update as only 1 seemed to move. They said we had to get an electrician to check first.
We did that and eventually (about a month ago) they sent someone to remove the meters and fit one new one.
So then we joined Money Saving Expert's scheme, applied to SSE. Thought job done, but no, they tell us we can't swap until NPower have registered the new meter - can take up to 90 days!!
Rang NPower this week to give a meter reading, told they had no knowledge of new meter, so 90 days only began this week!
Is there any way to speed this up and finally escape?
We also have no confidence that the amounts NPower have charged us are correct but really there seems to be no way of checking. We are still paying the bills without a direct debit so of course that also makes it more expensive, but don't want to let NPower loose on our money!!

Hi thestens

Thanks for your post.

I'm disappointed to learn that we had no record of your meter exchange when you called us. Whilst it can take up to 90 days to update the meter details, I'm happy to see what I can do to speed things up for you if possible. Please get in touch using the details on our profile with your account details, marking the subject header as MSE so we know to respond. If you can also include a photo of the meter details (they should be on a card on or near the meter) with the meter serial number and meter readings, this will help speed the process up.

Once this has been updated, we'll be happy to check your tariff to make sure you're getting the best deal. We'd be sorry to see you go if you decide to switch supplier, however if you do we'll be happy to help you through this process.

Regards

Jess