Scottish Power supply to a newbuild

UKmitch

Hi all, first post looking for advice, so hopefully it helps somebody else.

We moved into a newbuild in late September 2015, where the builder used Scottish Power for all plots. Come completion time, we/builder took the readings and agreed to start paying bills from there. All perfectly normal and trouble-free.

Only problem is, Scottish Power seem to be inept at setting up the new account on their system. Despite having gas and electric meter serial numbers and readings, they still refer to the house by its plot number (full address is in use everywhere else) and claim to be unable to give me an account number. It's also preventing me from signing up to receive Feed-In-Tariffs for the solar electric on the roof - it needs the account number to register.

Part of me is thinking they're dragging their heels to retain newbuild customers for longer - I can't move my business if there's no account number, and I'm liable for everything until the outstanding bills go past the 1yr mark.

Does anyone have experience with this? The telephone chasing I do is to 0800 001 5217, their 'new supplies' team. According to them, this is correct. I've asked them on three occasions who I should be chasing to get this dealt with, and the bottom line is, "just wait". I don't feel that's an acceptable response.

The only positive here is that they've offered to charge the consumed units at their lowest tariff prices from September 2015. Still, I'd rather pay a bill and know it would stay roughly consistent - as it's a new house, I've no idea what sort of monthly cost I can expect.

spiro

Suppliers get the metering point address sent to them and for electricity it is from MPAS which is operated by the distributor and they get address updates from the Royal Mail. If you go on the Royal Mail website does your address show? There is nothing stopping you switching supplier.

UKmitch

spiro wrote: »

Suppliers get the metering point address sent to them and for electricity it is from MPAS which is operated by the distributor and they get address updates from the Royal Mail. If you go on the Royal Mail website does your address show? There is nothing stopping you switching supplier.

Thanks Spiro. They have told me the electricity is actually available to setup but will be more expensive if set-up at a different time to the gas.

Our address is on the RM site, yes.

WRT switching - I've been told I need to register the system with Scottish Power first, and have no choice but to register the FITs with SP initially. That's come from the builder. I'd rather not complicate matters by introducing another party.

I need an effective method of pushing Scottish Power. I would write a letter, but suspect it would be read and given a generic reply. Perhaps I'll try that.

Cardew

UKmitch wrote: »

I need an effective method of pushing Scottish Power. I would write a letter, but suspect it would be read and given a generic reply. Perhaps I'll try that.

Write a letter headed 'complaint' and requesting a deadlock letter so you can take the matter to the Ombudsman.


Spell out the implications(as detailed above) of the 6 months delay.

UKmitch

Cardew wrote: »

Write a letter headed 'complaint' and requesting a deadlock letter so you can take the matter to the Ombudsman.


Spell out the implications(as detailed above) of the 6 months delay.

Thanks Cardew - I've got a letter prepped, but not yet sent - could you help me understand what a deadlock letter is?

Cardew

UKmitch wrote: »

Thanks Cardew - I've got a letter prepped, but not yet sent - could you help me understand what a deadlock letter is?

It is where two parties(You and SP in this instance) cannot agree on a mutually acceptable solution.


See second paragraph in this link https://www.ombudsman-services.org/energy-complaint.html


Also the Ombudsman definition here: https://www.ombudsman-services.org/downloads/EDITPC_pack-Explaining-deadlock.pdf

System

Feed in Tariff (FIT) payments are a separate contract and as far as I am aware you do not have to apply to your existing energy supplier. Indeed, many of the smaller suppliers do not have the ability to pay FITs. Pick one of the Big 6 and you should be fine. Remember, the energy company is getting paid to pass on Government money to you. The money is not coming from their balance sheet.

UKmitch

Just wanted to say, it's now 3 weeks since posting the complaint letter to SP, cc Ombudsman. I've not heard a peep from either.

Cardew

UKmitch wrote: »

Just wanted to say, it's now 3 weeks since posting the complaint letter to SP, cc Ombudsman. I've not heard a peep from either.

That is 'par for the course' for both useless organisations.


I have heard that posting on Facebook gets a response.

UKmitch

Cardew wrote: »

That is 'par for the course' for both useless organisations.


I have heard that posting on Facebook gets a response.

Ah really? I hate FB! Don't tweet either... might have to break the habit. Just so annoying airing your private affairs to everyone.

System

OP - note the advice on this website about the change in policy re FIT registrations.

http://www.leeds-solar.co.uk/blog

All existing renewable energy installations with an MCS certificate issued before 15th January 2016 must submit their Feed-In Tariff application by 31st March 2016 or they will never be able to claim any Feed-In Tariff or Export payments.