bill from previous supplier

hp3

We recently moved home, as the title says. A few days before we moved we looked into energy suppliers and informed our current one we were moving and set up a tariff etc for our new house. I know there is a change over period so was expecting a bill from previous supplier however when it did come we owe them over £100. I've rang and spoken to them to check metre readings and dates etc but they all add up as correct. £100 is a hell of a lot of money for 12 days supply. We moved in April and didn't have the heating on constantly or use appliances any more than we do in a month. They explained we go straight onto their most expensive tariff (very unfair but I understand it's money making) but still I feel this is ridiculous! I am just wondering if there is anything we can do or do we just have to pay them?

Sorry if there are posts on here already about the same thing I can't seem to find it.

spiro

If the opening reads match the readings you took when you move and the closing reading matches the opening readings from your new supplier there is nothing you can do except pay. Remember lots of energy companies now report to the credit reference agencies.

System

'Deemed Contracts' when people move into an existing property exist for a good reason: continuity of supply. A supplier's cheapest tariff tends to be a fixed contract which requires both parties to agree to it. The OFGem approved default 'deemed contract' tariff is therefore the supplier's standard variable tariff. If the opening and closing meter readings on the final bill are correct (opening meaning the meter reading that you gave the supplier when you moved in) and the tariff etc is correct, then the bill sits with you.

You should also check that the opening readings with your new supplier and the closing readings on the final bill are the same.

There is some light on the horizon. When, or should I say if, smart meters are deployed which talk to all energy companies then next day switching will become the norm. Provided people remember to change tariffs/suppliers, then a 'deemed contract' may last no more than 24 hours.

footyguy

hp3 wrote: »

We recently moved home, as the title says. A few days before we moved we looked into energy suppliers and informed our current one we were moving and set up a tariff etc for our new house. I know there is a change over period so was expecting a bill from previous supplier however when it did come we owe them over £100. I've rang and spoken to them to check metre readings and dates etc but they all add up as correct. £100 is a hell of a lot of money for 12 days supply. We moved in April and didn't have the heating on constantly or use appliances any more than we do in a month. They explained we go straight onto their most expensive tariff (very unfair but I understand it's money making) but still I feel this is ridiculous! I am just wondering if there is anything we can do or do we just have to pay them?

Sorry if there are posts on here already about the same thing I can't seem to find it.

Unless you agree otherwise, you will be put on the suppliers standard tariff. This is a variable tariff and has no early exit fees. Yes, it's usually also their most expensive tariff.

If that is not what you wanted, you have to tell them, before, not after the event.

£100 for 12 days usage is expensive, particularly at this time of year. You say it is correctly calculated so you can't argue.
Anyway, I guess it's only cost you possibly £20 extra compared to that supplier's cheapest tariffs ... and there may have been £30 per fuel early exit charges for that.