Mis-sold energy?

JCooper_2

In November I changed energy supplier after undertaking a comparison on Uswitch. I used my total kWh supplied by my previous supplier, and switched to ExtraEnergy as they promised a saving each month.
However, I've just received my first bill.... With the instruction that they will be increasing my direct debit... Already! And cancelling out all savings. My annual energy usage has not increased, and when I protested to ExtraEnegy that it was Winter they responded "that's just the way it works" :mad:

- Have I been mis-sold?
- Is it worth kicking up a fuss?

CashStrapped

Just because they have increased your Direct Debit does not mean you are paying more per KWH!

1) You may have used more energy this year so they are increasing the DD to cover it. January has been colder in my area compared to last year and I used more energy as a result.

2)If you do not end up using more your account will just go into credit which should be returned to you at some point. It is best to wait untill spring/summer to do this as we are still in winter.

3)Extra energy have had a lot of bad feedback due to poor customer service and computer systems. However, you are only charged for the pence per KWH you signed up for as long as you are still on a fixed tariff. The DD has nothing to do with this.It is just their estimate as to what you might use. They should reduce it if you ask them and you are in credit on the account.

footyguy

JCooper wrote: »

In November I changed energy supplier after undertaking a comparison on Uswitch. I used my total kWh supplied by my previous supplier, and switched to ExtraEnergy as they promised a saving each month.
However, I've just received my first bill.... With the instruction that they will be increasing my direct debit... Already! And cancelling out all savings. My annual energy usage has not increased, and when I protested to ExtraEnegy that it was Winter they responded "that's just the way it works" :mad:

- Have I been mis-sold?
- Is it worth kicking up a fuss?

Forget about monthly DD amnounts; compare annual costs - that's what all comparison sites do.

If your new supplier is already claiming you are underpaying, it sounds like you possibly used entirely the wrong anticipated annnual consumption in kWh figures, thereby giving you an entirely wrong indication of who is the best supplier & tariff for you.

I suggest you do a new comparison now using the new figures.

matelodave

Most people use 65-70% of their energy in the five months November to March and the other 30% or so during the seven summer months.

Although your DD is usually 1/12th of your annual estimated cost, by starting a contract in November, you'll go straight into debit and some suppliers are reluctant to let you get too far into debit which could be quite significant by April. So they'll crank up the DD to compensate.

It should get back into line again by about June/July when they'll frequently drop it down again if you ask them.

Robin9

What matters is your ACTUAL usage. Make sure you read your meter monthly and give Extra Energy the readings.