problem with setting utility account after moving in

newbee007

I have moved in to current address in May, registered with EDF Eenergy (electrics). I didn't hear from them for a while but I have been busy and had other things on my head. However I found few letters from British Gas, but without my name on it (addressed to Home Occupier/Owner). I never open that kind of mail, so I throw them away. But... I have opened one few days ago and found out it is a bill to pay... I contacted EDF and they advice to ignore it as they are trying to switch supplier... This is little awkward as I opened another letter today - same bill but this time with added penalty charge. What shall I do now?

Shall I pay? Shall I let my Landlord know? I think he was their (British Gas) customer, he told them he is moving out and that is why they trying to keep customer. I am seriously concerned about this and would be really glad if anyone could tell me what is the best thing to do now, thanks!

Carrot007

You re in a deemed contract with whoever supplied the property when you moved in.

You have to pay them up until the change over. Depending on their current view of the property they could block transfer.

You should have rung them and set up an account as soon as you moved in, however you can stay on the standard tarrif if you intended to move suppliers.

CashStrapped

As per above; but I will expand on a few points just to make the process clear as it is your first time moving into a property etc.

You have made the classic mistake when moving into a new property and setting up utilities.

When moving into a new property, you are in a "deemed contract" with the existing supplier.

So if the previous occupent was with British Gas....you have to create an new account with British Gas initially before you can do anything else.

You jumped the gun by trying to switch supplier before you had anything to switch from!

Despite what you think, you owe the existing supplier (British Gas) money from the period you moved in to todays date. This will be on their standard tariff.

The way to fix all this is quite easy.

I assume you made note of the meter readings when you moved in? But you gave these opening meter readings to EDF in error.

Using those same opening readings, ring British Gas and create an account with them. Explain that you moved in on xx/xx/xx date and use the opening meter readings you took at that time.

Then give them a meter reading for todays date. British Gas will then bill you for that period. This will ensure you are only charged for what you have used for that period.

Once you have done this. Go on a comparison site and switch to a supplier of your choice, edf included (look for cashback offers too).

Your new supplier will then ask for a meter reading to create your account with them. Ensure you do this.

British Gas will then (without prompting from you) send a final bill using that same meter reading (ensure it is similar or matches the one you gave the new supplier).

The process takes 4-6 weeks.