Confusing Spark Energy bill

kev75

Hi all

On 1st May 2015 I purchased a property which was repossessed from the previous owner, who evidently had money troubles because a bunch of bills were several months in arrears including electricity to Spark Energy.

NPower were my supplier for several years at my previous property and never had any problems with them, so I immediately started the ball rolling to change energy supplier at my new property to NPower. In order to do this Spark Energy wanted me to setup a new account with them to recognise the change of ownership and so they could bill me for electricity during the interim period until the change to NPower, which I did.

So on 20th June 2015 NPower started supplying elec to the property. Some months later Spark Energy issued me with a final bill from 1st May to 20th June, which I paid. All my NPower bills have since been paid. So far so good.

To my surprise today I opened a bill sent to my property from Spark Energy for monies owed addressed to "the landlord" with the account number being that of the previous owner (my own Spark Energy account can still be accessed on their website and is clear at £0.00.)

Not only that but included in the bill were charges for electricity usage from 31st March 2015 to 31st January 2016. You'll note this period encompasses the 1st May to 20th June period that I paid the final bill on my own Spark Energy account, and the entire period since that NPower have been supplying electricity to the property! Huh?! Spark Energy seem to be trying to bill on two separate accounts for the 1st May to 20th June period (despite one having been paid), and additionally bill from 20th June despite NPower supplying electricity since then?!

Any suggestions what I should do here?

CashStrapped

Before you can escalate this any further (ombudsman), your first port of call is always dealing with the energy company direct .

Ring spark and ask to speak to a supervisor and explain the issue, try to nip this in the bud as quickly as possible as you do not want it to get out of control.

Ensure you keep a copy of the final bill that spark supplied you.

You need to reiterate that you paid for the period you owed, and closed your account. Reiterate that any debt owed by the previous owner needs to be chased up with them at whatever new address they live at.

To be honest, it may be preferable to do this by email in writing. Or, at the very least, request confirmation of any telephone conversation resolution in writing.

kev75

Hi


Many thanks for your quick reply.


I will send them an email and await their response.

kev75

Took Spark a few weeks to reply, but they replied today and confirmed the bill was sent in error and have cancelled it.

Cheers.