EDF switch puzzle

keiran

I had switched from EDF to EBICO in May 2018 for my buy-to-let property, which has been vacant since, awaiting a sale. (EBICO has a no standing charge tariff).

So I was very surprised to get a call from EBICO today telling me that I'd requested a switch back. I told them I had not, and the "switch" has been cancelled at that end. EBICO said that they didn't know the name of the party requesting the switch nor any other details (!).

I wanted to contact EDF, but there's no phone service at present. I tried an online chat and was told that a switch had been requested by another "tenant". Although I told her that I was the registered owner of the property and that the house was vacant awaiting sale, she refused to give me any further details (no doubt fearing data protection and thinking it's there for miscreants to hide behind). I was conveniently cut off at the point.

What's happening here? Whilst I'll complain formally in the week, what answers can I expect ?

Thanks in advance for any assistance

keiran

UPDATE:-

I contacted my ex-tenants, who told me that they'd requested a switch to EDF for their new property, but have just heard themselves of the address mix up.

I considered deleting this thread, but will leave it open to report any complaint outcomes, etc

keiran

UPDATE:-

The erroneous transfer was cancelled by me at both EDF and EBICO, and my ex-tenants also made contact with EDF to appraise them.

EDF stated clearly that they had got it wrong. My tenants' new address is very close to my property which they had been renting and it was put down to human/keying error.

EDF said they'd give me a gesture payment of £10, but I managed to get that upped to £25 for the time and trouble in my having to sort it out and discuss with three parties.


Incidentally, I had asked for the initial switch to EBICO as they offer a no standing charge tariff ( important for a vacant property!!), whereas EDF does not. I have now received my final bill for the 3 weeks during which I was with EDF, and have learned that no standing charge is applied in any case when there has been no use. Had I known this, I wouldn't have bothered with the switch!

This is a useful fine point for MSErs to note. I wonder if this rule applies generally across all energy companies, and whether by law or guidelines, or entirely by discretion?

Perhaps an energy expert or the energy companies' reps on here may be able to tell us