Bulb Energy Reviews: Give your feedback on the energy supplier

thfc2020

waamo said:

thfc2020 said:

Gerry1 said:

Telegraph_Sam said:

I made a note previously for such situations to contact the Citizens Advice Extra Help Unit on 0800 458 2245  complaints@ehu.org.uk.  Failing which the local Trading Standards Office.  If the problem is deep seated then the Resolver tool as listed on this screen.  I have heard mixed (mostly negative) reports about the success and hassle people have had when going to the Ombudsman. Many solicitors offer a time-limited free advice service.

Not sure that Bulb have done anything wrong, so complaining may well be a dead end and a waste of time.

More likely to be down to the widespread problem of estimated bills because the meter hasn't been read, and similarly that the Bulb DD has been set too low, in this case by a greedy neighbour's guesstimate.

The problem hasnt arisen from the meter not being read.

What has it arisen from then?

I am not sure at this stage but as soon as I find out I will post a message on the forum with an update. 

bellc2

I am about to leave bulb myself due to them giving me misleading information. Despite providing readings every month, after the first month they were estimating them but confirming via e-mail that they had used my readings. I cranked up my DD to double what they quoted  I just had a feeling it was too low, and after a year they finally reviewed my account and used my readings - sending me a bill for £628. I have of course complained and the resolution is satisfactory of leaving immediately, paying the deficit off over 12 months and accepting £80 in compensation. I can't complain about their customer service as it's been excellent but the external company that provides their "estimated" meter readings should be brought to task. They estimated my December gas bill as just £17.

Telegraph_Sam

Considering the long thread similar to this but with respect to "Tonik", you have to weigh up the following:  If there is going to be variance between actual readings / consumption and the level of direct debits, is the consumer better off between having the D/D's set too low with the prospect of an unwelcome catch-up payment later on.  OR the D/D's being set too high with a resulting excessive credit balance and, to say the least, uncertain prospects of getting a proper refund at the end of the contract. Personally I would prefer the former.

courtchamp

used links to switch from british gas dual fuel i have smart meter prepayment meter sadly said because of meter i cant switch

Telegraph_Sam

Rather confirms the picture that has been building in my mind for several months of the pros and cons of smart meters. Combined with less than cooperative attitudes of some suppliers re account management issues I think I would prefer to leave opting for the hi-tec clever stuff to a much later date when the bugs really have been sorted out (and even then ..)

latter-day-saint

Will_at_Bulb said:

AMAZING with a capital amazing. Thanks kizatt!

We legitimately just want to make everyone happy, as well as getting more people to use renewables. I'm so glad that we've hit the mark for you

Just so you know, there are legitimately islands in the pacific that have 100% WiFi coverage. Sounds like a good place to start for you - 

Hi Will, I’m looking to switch from E.on but im confused whether a green tariff is for solar panels? I have those and an underground heat source so only electric in my home, what is the best traffic to go with with bulb? 

Thanks in advance x

GunJack

Telegraph_Sam said:

Considering the long thread similar to this but with respect to "Tonik", you have to weigh up the following:  If there is going to be variance between actual readings / consumption and the level of direct debits, is the consumer better off between having the D/D's set too low with the prospect of an unwelcome catch-up payment later on.  OR the D/D's being set too high with a resulting excessive credit balance and, to say the least, uncertain prospects of getting a proper refund at the end of the contract. Personally I would prefer the former.

Nah, latter all the way, and if you're keeping on top of your useage, you amend the DD and/or reclaim some of the credit balance as you go through the year.....just bear in mind most of the newer companies you pay a month in advance so leave 1.5-2 month's payments credit up until you leave...

Telegraph_Sam

If you care to look up the Tonik Energy thread - they may not be unique - you will see that some of these companies actively encourage users to build up unnecessarily high credit balances in addition to as you say paying in advance.  Then when the time comes to terminate the contract and switch away, the problems and foot dragging over refunds begin. In such situations I would frankly much prefer to be a debtor rather than a creditor.  I accept that it may be unfair on Bulb to feature this in a "Bulb thread" - it is more a matter of general principle.

pchelpman

News on BULB ....
https://www.yourmoney.com/household-bills/bulb-pays-1-76m-after-energy-failures/?utm_source=customsell&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=yourmoney13082020-1597332884

UnclaimedEnergy

Bulbs take on it: https://bulb.co.uk/blog/update-from-bulb-improving-our-processes

Looks like most of these issues happened at least over 6 months ago and they've since reviewed what's happened and put things in place to try and avoid it in the future.

Still, there are many suppliers out there that haven't had to pay out for issues like this.