Unsure about energy - EON

civil12345

Hi, I'm hoping to get some advice on energy rights as I'm not sure if I'm getting shafted.

I moved into a rented property a couple of weeks ago that was previously supplied by EON. I phoned them today about the energy supply. I was happy to go with them after looking at the info on the website. However, after the credit check they wanted me to pay deposits which I was unwilling to do (never been asked to do so before). Also, I can't get onto the tariff I wanted they would just put me on the standard one.

The main thing is, I was told I would have to go with them for the period I had already been in the property, I would have to sign up then switch to a different supplier. Is that correct? They also told me it would take a couple of weeks to switch so I am pretty much stuck with them for a month.

I'm wanting to go with a different supplier. Can I ask them to be the supplier from the time I moved in the property or is what EON has done correct?

Thanks

molerat

Eon are correct. From the moment you move in you are on a deemed contract with the current supplier of the property. If you contact them promptly they may put on to one of the cheaper tariffs from move in date but they are within their rights to charge you a deposit as an unknown risk but as you do not wish to stay with them then you will be placed on their standard variable tariff. You will have to contact your new preferred supplier and change to them in the normal time scale which could be up to 5 weeks (despite what OFGEM say !)

civil12345

Thanks - it's interesting as I've been with a few suppliers and never been asked for a deposit before - I think on principal I don't want to pay it!

It's a shame as some of the EON tariffs are among the best for me but the standard tariff is appaling!

LyndaS

civil12345 wrote: »

Hi, I'm hoping to get some advice on energy rights as I'm not sure if I'm getting shafted.

I moved into a rented property a couple of weeks ago that was previously supplied by EON. I phoned them today about the energy supply. I was happy to go with them after looking at the info on the website. However, after the credit check they wanted me to pay deposits which I was unwilling to do (never been asked to do so before). Also, I can't get onto the tariff I wanted they would just put me on the standard one.

The main thing is, I was told I would have to go with them for the period I had already been in the property, I would have to sign up then switch to a different supplier. Is that correct? They also told me it would take a couple of weeks to switch so I am pretty much stuck with them for a month.

I'm wanting to go with a different supplier. Can I ask them to be the supplier from the time I moved in the property or is what EON has done correct?

Thanks

What is the reason the supplier gave for not giving you the tariff of your choice??

(I assume you have appropriate metering for that tariff, and that your tariff of choice is currently available to other new applicants)

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi civil12345

Hope the move went well. Thought I'd pop on with a bit of information about security deposits. We do sometimes ask for these. This is usually following the results of a credit check although there could be other reasons like age (under 18) or where a credit check is refused. Currently, we ask for £200 per fuel. This is fully refundable after the first 12 months provided there's been no debt activity on the account.

As you've just moved in, we'll continue to supply even without a deposit but we'll start you on our standard tariff. As you say, not the cheapest but there's no tie-ins like exit fees leaving you free to switch supplier without penalty. We've also signed up to faster switching so a change of supplier will now go through in about two and half weeks.

Also, molerat's spot on, as the existing supplier we'll have been responsible for supplying the property from the moment you took over and started using energy.

Hope this explains civil12345.

Malc

civil12345

Hi Malc,

Yes that explains. However, I've been with a few other energy suppliers who have never asked for a deposit (and my credit report has been similar at those times). During the conversation I was not told it was refundable after 12 months. I was also not told why I wasn't given a choice of tariffs - I was told the only one I could have was the standard one which is very expensive compared to the other ones you offer.

I wanted to remain with EON after going through the comparison sites as you do offer good tariffs for my usage. However, I'm not willing to pay the deposits requested and I think it's very unfair that I'm forced to have the supply with you (even if it is just for a few weeks) on a very expensive tariff.

I guess this teaches me to make these sorts of calls immediately!

civil12345

Also I was told that as I won't pay the deposits I can't have monthly direct debit (with the associated savings) and I can't have the EON loyalty points (not sure of the name).

footyguy

civil12345 wrote: »

.... I was also not told why I wasn't given a choice of tariffs - I was told the only one I could have was the standard one which is very expensive compared to the other ones you offer...

So why didn't you ask the reason?

They are still open - give them a call now and find out, then report back

civil12345

All they were saying is because I wouldn't pay the deposits.

I phoned them a few times today. At 9am I was told to phone after 11am as the system wasn't working. At 11:30am I was told to phone after 3pm as the system still wasn't working. At 4pm I was on for nearly 40 minutes about this.

footyguy

civil12345 wrote: »

All they were saying is because I wouldn't pay the deposits....

Then I suggest you now raise this as a formal complaint in line with their complaints procedure. You'll find it on their website

civil12345

I will do! Both about the level of service received and the policy in general.