EDF mistake

gooner_47

Moved house last October, gave EDF all the meter readings, they calculated how much we owed, we got a slight refund and the account was closed. Had no further dealings with them until now.

Out of the blue they send a letter saying they were mistaken in their calculations, and we owe £120. We raised a dispute, they said while that was happening there would be a stop put on the direct debit so the money wouldn't be taken.

The other day, discovered that wasn't actually the case and they tried to take the money anyway. Phoned the bank and had them recall the money, and stop the DD.

Have since been told that this is bad because it will put a black mark on my credit rating.

Has anyone got any advice on how we should handle this? It seems completely unfair that due to a mistake on their part - and when we no longer even have an account with them, they can suddenly just say they were wrong and try and take £120. If they calculated the amount incorrectly, surely it's their problem?!

System

gooner_47 wrote: »

Has anyone got any advice on how we should handle this? It seems completely unfair that due to a mistake on their part - and when we no longer even have an account with them, they can suddenly just say they were wrong and try and take £120. If they calculated the amount incorrectly, surely it's their problem?!

Sadly, not. All businesses make mistakes from time to time and they have a legal right to claim what they are owed. That said, they also have a duty to show you where the mistake was made. If you are not happy, then raise a complaint and ask for it to be deadlocked. You can then take the matter to The Energy Ombudsman. Its Decision is binding on the supplier.

It is also worth taking a minute to look at the problem from the other end of the telescope. If EDF’s calculations had been in its favour by £120 and a month later you noticed the mistake, would you expect EDF just to say ‘tough’? I suspect that most of us would want to be repaid what we are owed.

molerat

gooner_47 wrote: »

Have since been told that this is bad because it will put a black mark on my credit rating.

EDF do not currently report to the CRAs so no black marks. But, as above, if you do owe the money you need to pay it. Every time I have switched I have worked out my closing balance within a few pence so have never had any surprises no matter how long some of the suppliers have taken to bill.

badmemory

One question. Did they just send a letter & say whoops we can't add up & so you owe us this money or did they send a letter that says this is how we worked out what we should have charged you?