Scottish Power outstanding bill

warby1

We switched our gas and electricity supply from Scottish Power to OVO a year last February, 18 months ago and we have just had a bill for an outstanding balance of £59.92. Isn't it the case that Ofgen say that the company has 12 months to ask for this balance, as when we switched they were most probably asked by OVO for a final bill to be issued. How do we stop them hassling us? Threaten them with/contact Ombudsman?

Thanks

System

Hi. Did you get a final bill from Scottish Power and did the closing readings agree with the opening readings on your Ovo account? By all means try and play the Back Billing Code but there is a responsibility placed on the consumer to ask for a bill when one hasn't been forthcoming. By all means threaten Scottish Power with The Energy Ombudsman; however, it is an empty threat as you have no direct access to the Ombudsman. You have to raise a complaint with Scottish Power and then wait 8 weeks before referral.

My advice would be to sit down and have a cup of tea whilst you think. Clearly, you need to check that the bill is correct: if it is, is it really worth fighting over such a small sum? Remember that all companies have the right to recover a debt for a period of up to 6 years. The fact that they got their sums wrong initially does not make their claim against you invalid.

Skools_Out

warby1 wrote: »

We switched our gas and electricity supply from Scottish Power to OVO a year last February, 18 months ago and we have just had a bill for an outstanding balance of £59.92. Isn't it the case that Ofgen say that the company has 12 months to ask for this balance, as when we switched they were most probably asked by OVO for a final bill to be issued. How do we stop them hassling us? Threaten them with/contact Ombudsman?

Thanks

Threatening a supplier with the ombudsman is an empty threat. The ombudsman will not assist you unless and until you have given the supplier the opportunity to first address any complaint against them ... and the supplier knows that.

So follow the suppliers complaint procedure, giving your full reasons why you feel you do not owe the money that it claims you owe.

Legally, debts can be pursued against you for 6 years (5 years in Scotland). However, there is a 12 month back billing agreement in place with regards to energy bills. It's a little complicated, but essentially it applies where the supplier is entirely at fault for not having billed you with 12 months, and if applicable, prevents you having to pay any more (but does not apply if you have already paid). Each case is assessed individually on it's merits.

You have not really given enough details for anyone to even guess what the outcome may be in your case.
for example you say you think Ovo may have asked the old upplier for a final bill. This would imply you have not asked for one yourself, and if this is correct, this may not go in your favour.
However, full details of the back billing code are given here.
http://www.energy-uk.org.uk/customers/energy-industry-codes/code-of-practice-for-accurate-bills.html

Take a look, and if you still think it applies to you, ask the supplier for their considered response.