Mcgrathb

mcgrathb

I have changed utility providers several times. I have just changed from GB Energy Supply to Iresa, which I selected through MoneySavingExpert.com. The reason I changed was that I was fed up with GB Energy Supply, which is now the Co-op Energy, insist on monthly meter reading. When I failed to do this they estimated my gas reading. I switch my gas central heating off in the summer months, so adding 8 cu ft resulted in an incorrect reading on their web-site. This was impossible to correct, clearly they do not believe anybody could switch off the central heating in order to save the energy used to keep the pilot light operating.

The transfer took place on the 28th August and Iresa have taken an initial charge via a direct debit. However GB Energy Supply have not refunded the nearly £200 credit balance outstanding. They are using the traditional excuse that they have not got a gas reading from Iresa.

I know GB Energy Supply were rescued by the Co-op, however, I do not feel I should be used to make a loan to them in order to improve their cash flow. This also happened to me when switching between Npower and SSE. Hopes that the "challenger" providers are any better than the "big six" are fast disappearing.

Of course OFWAT are no use in dealing with problems like this.

mcgrathb

Make that OFGEM rather than OFWAT

System

mcgrathb wrote: »

I have changed utility providers several times. I have just changed from GB Energy Supply to Iresa, which I selected through MoneySavingExpert.com. The reason I changed was that I was fed up with GB Energy Supply, which is now the Co-op Energy, insist on monthly meter reading. When I failed to do this they estimated my gas reading. I switch my gas central heating off in the summer months, so adding 8 cu ft resulted in an incorrect reading on their web-site. This was impossible to correct, clearly they do not believe anybody could switch off the central heating in order to save the energy used to keep the pilot light operating.

The transfer took place on the 28th August and Iresa have taken an initial charge via a direct debit. However GB Energy Supply have not refunded the nearly £200 credit balance outstanding. They are using the traditional excuse that they have not got a gas reading from Iresa.

I know GB Energy Supply were rescued by the Co-op, however, I do not feel I should be used to make a loan to them in order to improve their cash flow. This also happened to me when switching between Npower and SSE. Hopes that the "challenger" providers are any better than the "big six" are fast disappearing.

Of course OFWAT are no use in dealing with problems like this.

The gaining supplier manages all aspects of a transfer of supply. The meter readings that you provided to Iresa have to be verified by an independent industry third-party. They are then passed back to the two suppliers to open and close your accounts. Raise a written complaint against Iresa: you can then take it to The Energy Ombudsman after 8 weeks. If you are sure that Iresa is now on supply, you can also advise your present supplier that they have a Licence obligation to raise a Final Bill within 6 weeks of a transfer. It might encourage them to shout at Iresa.

You could also refer the matter to consumeraffairs@ofgem.gov.uk. They will not investigate your specific complaint but they are keen to garner knowledge about energy suppliers.

PS: Most energy suppliers that produce monthly bills will use an estimate unless you provide a meter reading. Suppliers only have to read your meter once every 12 months.

trickytree1963

8 cubic feet is roughly 250 kWh. so on Iresa tariff £6ish? Why not just give them a read even a nil one and stop being such a nitpicker OP