British Gas cancelled my direct Debit - their fault - now added new Derogatory status to credit

GAKent

Have just posted this in Energy section of Forum. As it could have technically gone in both, am just posting here as a link (cant post actual link as a new user :


British Gas cancelled my direct Debit - their fault - now added new Derogatory status to credit
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Around December, British Gas without any notification stopped my direct debit for my dual Gas/ Elec.

I noticed this around Feb so called them and they said they were having difficulties finding me on their systems and would call me back.

On 5th of April I got a letter stating in big letters
'We're sorry - your payments weren't set up correctly'
Then in smaller text

'Dear Mr G
Due to a problem at our end, your fixed monthly Direct Debit payments have not been set up correctly for both your gas and electricity. To help us fix the issue, we've had to stop taking payments from you. The cause of this has now been fixed, but in order to do this we've had to move you to a cash and cheque payment arrangement. You'll be sent bills every quarter. If you'd like us to change the payment method t either monthly fixed or a direct debit, please do so'

Which I did, called their 'lovely' call centre in South Africa and they asked I paid 60% more each month to cover the period they weren't taking payments, and set up the direct debit again for 1st May.

Just woke up today to a 'lovely' email from Equifax with a new derogatory status on my account for British Gas stating 'Status I - Account In Arrears'

Am furious

Any tips before I call their Complaints team on what I should be asking for?
Thanks

[Deleted User]

Just call BG and get them to change it

Dobbibill

Why were they asking you to pay 60% more?
Is this on a temporary basis to cover the money you kept to one side when they cancelled the DD?
Were you up to date or paying estimated bill and now have been billed correctly for an acutal reading?
Do you have an option to revert back to DD in the future?
Have you considered doing a switch? (the account can't be arrears when this happens)

[Deleted User]

Had a similar issue.

Called the complaints team and it was fixed within a week.

All markers removed from all 3 credit files

GAKent

Thanks @Gary Dexter. They say the will resolve credit file in 1 week. Lets see!
Have responded more on Energy forum post relating to issues re energy billing