Separated from wife, Energy company won't let me go

kkbou

I separated from my wife on the 29th December 2014. It has been a very acrimonious separation and we are going through a divorce.

The house I left behind is in my name , both mortgage and deed. I have been paying the energy bills there for the past 2 years and need to come off them. My soon to be ex wife won't work to pay for these bills even though our only child goes to school.

I now live in a 2 bed flat for which I also pay bills for.

I have tried for over a month to get through to extraenergy so they will let me come of the bills at the matrimonial home and they have been very obstructive stating that I needed to prove I left the house. I offered my new council tax and utility bills as proof.. They said that 'I could be living in two places'. They then added that there needs to be a tenancy agreement in place.Fat chance of that with the state of play between me and the ex.

I need some advice please

Carrot007

kkbou wrote: »

I have been paying the energy bills there for the past 2 years and need to come off them.

I suspect this is the main issue the company have. If you told them when you left it would have been straight forward.

However you have "not been living there for 2 years" but continued to pay.

This is why it looks odd to them.

However it is ridiculous, you should not have to prove anything, just tell t hem you left and to take you to court if they disagree. If you have left I'm sure you will be able to prove it there.

bumpercars99

Your mistake is giving them too much information - don't give them enough information to get confused or argue.

Tell them you've moved out with effect from today (or last week whenever you first called) and give them a closing reading/let them estimate one if you can't gain access to the property. End of story.

GingerBob_3

bumpercars99 wrote: »

Your mistake is giving them too much information - don't give them enough information to get confused or argue.

Tell them you've moved out with effect from today (or last week whenever you first called) and give them a closing reading/let them estimate one if you can't gain access to the property. End of story.

Agreed. As a general rule you should tell your utility provider nothing other than your name (surname and first initial) and address. Never divulge phone numbers, previous addresses or new addresses and don't discuss any personal details such as living arrangements, marital status and so on. Only ever have one name on the bill and don't tell them about other occupants (not sure if they ever ask this one).

footyguy

bumpercars99 wrote: »

Your mistake is giving them too much information - don't give them enough information to get confused or argue.

Tell them you've moved out with effect from today (or last week whenever you first called) and give them a closing reading/let them estimate one if you can't gain access to the property. End of story.

Not quite end of story.

Be prepared to provide evidence to support the assertion, such as a sale document for the property, or in this case, probably the divorce papers will suffice if the ex is still living there.

bumpercars99

footyguy wrote: »

Not quite end of story.

Be prepared to provide evidence to support the assertion, such as a sale document for the property, or in this case, probably the divorce papers will suffice if the ex is still living there.

Having moved house dozens of times, I've never had to provide any proof at all. What energy company requires this routinely?

The issue came up this time probably because the OP told them he still owns the property or that his partner still lives there. How would they know this unless you tell them this sort of information. Tell them NOTHING except the date of leaving and this kind of issue will not be encountered.

jamesperrett

Remember this is Extra Energy that we are talking about - even the simplest things seem to get them flummoxed.

Marktheshark

Serve written notice of cancellation of contract :

Using the phone is your downfall.
Writing > Stamp > certified postage > official complain > Ombudsman

footyguy

bumpercars99 wrote: »

Having moved house dozens of times, I've never had to provide any proof at all. What energy company requires this routinely?

The issue came up this time probably because the OP told them he still owns the property or that his partner still lives there. How would they know this unless you tell them this sort of information. Tell them NOTHING except the date of leaving and this kind of issue will not be encountered.

When you moved house, did you leave an existing occupant in the property? :cool:

In answer to your 'see no evil..." idealogy, when you moved house, were the new occupants also called Mr and/or Mrs bumpercars99?

kkbou

Thanks for the replies, but what can I do now?

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

kkbou wrote: »

Thanks for the replies, but what can I do now?

Write to them.