Co-Op Energy: Legal action route

James1715

I have been one of the many caught up in the mad Co-Op Energy debacle. Some advice appreciated.

Account was running fine, in credit by a fair amount (~£170). All of a sudden bills stop and direct debit was doubled. Co-Op have no knowledge of this. I charged back the direct debit via Nationwide, now receiving threatening letters and that I am apparently several hundred pounds in debt. Called them confused, they assure me in a very direct tone the debt is correct - but "we cannot generate a bill or tell you any readings". Hmm...

I am 100% confident there was no amount owed at this time. The meter is read by me every 2 weeks (at the same time as my solar system). Since the migration errors I have refused to pay anything until the account is billed properly. During the standoff the credit balance has probably evaporated and according to readings I calculate now the true amount now owed to them is probably < £100.

They are even disputing how much I owed retrospectively. Have 2 years of previous bills to accurate readings showing healthy credit balance. I have even photocopied them the old bills to send them as proof - as they cannot see them at their end!

Sent a letter 28 days ago with a large pack of photocopied bills, bank statements etc. threatening to take matters further if not resolved. Hoped this would fix things. Unsurprisingly no response.

Now I need to go down the legal route as I'm fed up with being bullied. I see this as an open and shut case when common sense eventually gets applied, but need to follow the proper process. Who do I start with? Paying a solicitor? Moneyclaim online seems the wrong route - they don't owe me money, the account just needs billing properly, and the threatening letters to cease.

Thanks in advance

Quentin

If you continue to refuse to pay then expect the question of getting to court may be solved for you!


If you now agree you do owe them something then maybe consider keeping the high ground by paying them what you agree you owe "on account", whilst insisting they resolve the dispute, and pursuing a formal complaint in line with their complaints procedure.


You will then have the option of escalating your complaint if unhappy with their reply

James1715

Thanks for reply. To be honest, I think you have a better chance of getting hold of the pope than a competent individual in their Warwick office. So I'd be incredibly honoured if someone even sneezed over any potential court papers for my incorrect historic debt.

That is a good idea, I'll make ongoing card payments to ensure the account always remains in credit throughout the dispute to keep the moral high ground.

footyguy

James1715 wrote: »

I have been one of the many caught up in the mad Co-Op Energy debacle. Some advice appreciated. ...

My advice is only consider legal action as a matter of last resort.

Your first action should be as Quentin says to follow the suppliers compliant procedure, and then if nececessary, as per that procedure, escalate the matter to the independent ombudsman for review.