Switching suppliers!

dimples247

Can an existing electricity supplier refuse to allow you to switch? Ours just has!:mad: :mad: :mad: Any thoughts would be gratefully received by someone who is rapidly tearing their hair out!!!!!!

julesgr

Just found this on the energy shop website:


Can I switch if I owe money to my current supplier?
If you owe money to your current supplier, or have a bill outstanding for more than 28 days, you may be unable to switch until you have paid what is due. Ofgem and energywatch are putting in place measures that will allow you to transfer outstanding balances to a new supplier, so this restriction may not apply in future. Until then, we recommend that you clear any outstanding debts before you make the switch.

Can my current supplier prevent me from switching to a new supplier for any other reason?
As long as you are not in debt with your existing supplier, they can't stop you from switching.

far

dimples - is the supplier in question British Gas? They have just stopped us switching for the second time for a supposed amount that we don't owe them. If you don't owe them money, I'd suggest asking your incumbent and/or new supplier why the switch was blocked.

Terrylw1

Hi,

Check your bill and makesure that you don't owe more than a quarter. If you are receiving chaser letters for payment which can occur before 28 days, they may do it anyway as you are becoming a defaulter.

Suppliers often make mistakes and object in error though so you would need to clarify a bit more on your post for advice from anyone.

Objection is a process fully endorsed by Ofgem. If it's been objected to in error, your new Supplier can get them to remove the objection if it's a mistake but there is a time limit.

spanglysteve

I'm having a similar problem, but even more frustration.

Trying to electricity from EDF to OVO, OVO say that EDF have raised an objection, but when I speak to EDF they say they have not even received a transfer request.

Both companies state their is nothing they can do to help. OVO have given me reference id's of the attempted switch, but EDF refuse to recognise these.

What do i do????

Premier_2

spanglysteve wrote: »

I'm having a similar problem, but even more frustration.

Trying to electricity from EDF to OVO, OVO say that EDF have raised an objection, but when I speak to EDF they say they have not even received a transfer request.

Both companies state their is nothing they can do to help. OVO have given me reference id's of the attempted switch, but EDF refuse to recognise these.

What do i do????

Hi spanglysteve, and welcome to MSE :hello:

First may I congratulate you on finding and ressurecting this
2+ year old thread

I suggest you go back to OVO and ask them to help you. If OVO really want your custom, they will.

undaunted

I wouldn't just rely on Ovo (or any other supplier) sorting it out myself. and whilst the poster may have taken some time & effort to find the thread why shouldn't they?

Isn't a bigger issue than the thread being 2 years old that a 2 year old problem still hasn't been resolved by the so called Energy Regulator?

Those customers who are more vulnerable / unable to clear a balance are placed at a disadvantage by this legislation (which seems to me contrary to other UK legislation & EEC directives on Consumer Protection), Energy Watch have since "gone by the wayside" and Ofgem are failing to protect the customer?

I suggest that you contact the OFT citing your concern of actions contrary to Consumer Protection Legislation, Ofgem and Consumer Focus asking what they are doing to protect Consumer Interests and David Cameron / Nick Clegg reminding them of their aim of a fairer society and stating that you believe Energy companies & Ofgem are standing in the way of this (assuming you agree this is the case)

I know you will not be the only one & perhaps increasing numbers may bring about change for the better?

Good luck