Future Energy Administration

daggas66

I got my letter today saying I also owe £117.

I left in October 2017, and by the end of December had lost count how many times I'd chased them for a final bill, being fobbed off with excuse after excuse (all emails kept). Then the news in January raised my suspicions about why my final bill did not materialise.

My last bill before leaving was around May 2017 which was in credit of over £100, shortly before my fixed term ended. After which I was moved onto their default (more expensive) tariff, they never contacted me again, requesting reads, or sending bills! I was furious when I realised having contacted them in October, so I left.

Also, raised a complaint with Ofgem about the final bill situation, who are also useless. Also, asked Ofgem about getting a final bill as convinced I'd still be in credit, but they couldn't grasp the concept and kept reiterating that Green Star would sort it out, even though I told them I left FE in October, and with another supplier, so Green Star would not be taking over my account (which by the way didn't stop them trying, another story).

What a mess, and a rip-off to maximise revenue.

breakingbad

Hi all,

I have been reading the posts in this thread, and just wanted to seek advice regarding my own situation. I received the following letter from the administrators last month, stating I owe £372.14

https://ibb.co/d1WdeT <<link to photo of letter

However it seems that everything, gas and electricity, is based on estimated usage? Which seems outrageous to me!

Also, they have me listed as starting on 4th March 2017, however I have emails from future energy on 29th March asking me for an opening meter reading so they can start supplying me? I don't believe I signed up with them until mid-march.

My usage is difficult to track, as Future energy changed us to smart meters. When I enquired about a bill (I don't believe we ever received one) I was told that, as we were on a smart meter, all meter readings were automatic and were held on a system they called SFE (I think?).

Basically, I have no proof, but I don't think the amount they are asking for is realistic.

What do I do? Thanks

robinlane569

Do you have a meter reading on your bill for your new provider? That might be a starting point. I know my new providers first bill had a starting meter reading on.

That said I thought I could sort mine letter easily as I luckily had a bill for December from Future Energy a few days before I was scheduled to leave for a new provider. This had my starting and finishing meter readings on along with consumption and how much I'd paid them, ie. Future Energy owed me about £40.

I thought this would be enough for CDS but today they have got back in touch to say I still owe then £95!!!!! They appear to have used a different kWh price than Future Energy to calculate my charges. I've no idea what is going on. I've asked again for clarity on why there is a difference.......

robinlane569

Latest update is they are saying they are using industry standard calorific values for gas as they weren't available when my original bill was generated, hence the difference in price despite accepting my meter readings. As you can get calorific values daily from national grid this seems very odd.

Any further advice appreciated.

DavidR1980

Hi All

I too recieved a demand for £224 out of the blue based entirely on estimated readings.

As future energy got my reads via email I was able to find original readings from searching email folders. The first paper bill from Green Star had the end reads.

I sent all this to CDS. The response I got back from *Removed by Forum Team* was unprofessional to say the least! I have seen scan emails use better grammar !

They explained the difference in tariff is explained by theirs including VAT and futures not. They are now banging on about whether I have an imperial or metric meter which apparently they don’t know.

I’m going to go back to them once I have checked this, they are still claiming the bill stands until disproven which I pointed I have done!

Hopejack

From what I can gather, the system FES were using failed towards the end so they don’t have accurate readings for most people. Apparently it was in the contract that they can use estimates to bill if necessary! Can’t say I ever saw that but I perhaps didn’t look at it properly. I contested my bill and provided meter readings, worked out my actual usage and sent it off. FES actually owed me money, needless to say I’m not going to get it but I’m happy that it’s been finalised.

I was lucky I had readings (with photos) and a bill dated 24/1 to back it up. I have been told however that my credit may not have been correct due to the failing system!! I’ve argued that could and may are not definite and they need to look at the paperwork and proof I produced.

It’s a sad state when you have to take photos of your smart meter just to cover your own back though!

badmemory

robinlane569 wrote: »

Latest update is they are saying they are using industry standard calorific values for gas as they weren't available when my original bill was generated, hence the difference in price despite accepting my meter readings. As you can get calorific values daily from national grid this seems very odd.

Any further advice appreciated.

If your gas bill was £1000 using the lowest calorific value then it would struggle to make £1015 using the highest. So I would be saying they are talking BS.

jooliver71

I've had them reply to my second attempt to send a cheque. They say they've received it. I've said if they don't cash it I will be highly suspicious that they are trying to increase the amount owed..after making it nigh on impossible to pay. However they HAVE cashed the check. I say "THEY" but I suspect it's still just *Removed by Forum team* being something of a chancer. I still await the receipt.

Mallygill

I'm a late-comer to this particular forum ('cos I've been away on holiday and sat on the letter from FE's Administrators' 'debt collector' CDS Global).

I'm in a similar situation as many others here, in that I've had a demand for almost £400, based on what seems to be a calculation using incorrect tariffs and a fictitious annual usage figure. I've got my previous readings (which were provided to Green Star when they took over as my provider) so I know that the sum that RSM / CDS are asking for is wrong.

I've spoken to CDS this morning - who's opening line was that they are "a debt collection agency.... and have the power to take you to court..." - and given them the actual meter readings. whilst I was told that someone would recalculate the bill, I wasn't filled with confidence as the person at the other end of the line couldn't tell me exactly who would do that calculation. And, having now read this string, I'm even more concerned.

I had thought about contacting Ofgem, Citizens Advice, RSM (the administrators) etc but it seems others have already done that, to no avail. Surely we are now at the point where this appalling situation needs to be raised COLLECTIVELY at a level that will make those with some authority actually do something about this?

Can MSE (Martin?) not raise the ante on this - someone has already asked the question "would the press be interested" for example? Can anyone share contact details of the appropriate people to complain to - Ofgem and RSM's Complaints officers perhaps - and our own MPs? Dealing with these organisations as individuals clearly has little impact!

breakingbad

I would be prepared to take action collectively.

Failing that, can I offer to pay in small instalments?