Spark energy only using estimates

Pilau

Hi, please could I get some advice if possible from members here...

I recently moved into a small property that is electric only. The landlord had already handed the account to Spark I believe. At first they gave me a huge estimate of 120 a month. This is much more than a friend I have who lives in a similar property. I'm living alone. After contacting Spark the rep agreed to lower it to 70 but only if I agreed to a contrace and with an exit fee. I shouldve checked before agreeing but went ahead anyway.

Now I looked at Uswitch last week and all the estimates from other suppliers were a lot less. They recommended Scottish Power and the rates were cheaper but this week those rates had gone.

I contacted Spark saying can you not go by my readings but they're saying we need 6 months of usage before we can estimate your real usage. Can anyone advise me on this. I did look at Octopus energy but I think they have a problem with economy 7 accounts. My metre gives day and night readings and a third figure. I'm at a loss as to what to do.

MovingForwards

When you agreed to the contract did they not say you have a 14 day cooling off period? (British/Scottish Gas did when we moved in and took over the supply), if you are within the 14 days then ring up and cancel it, then apply to transfer to your chosen supplier.

If you are stuck with Spark as you are outside the 14 days then ring them every month and give them the meter reading; each time asking them to amend the monthly payment even if they say no.

Also, do you have to pay them monthly? Can you not have a quarterly credit payment account? Although you are potentially leaving yourself open to a big bill.

[Deleted User]

Just to let you know that the third figure on your Eco 7 meter is a total of the two readings.it may have a small " t " for total on the meter. This reading is not needed by the suppliers.just day/night only
Be sure to get the day and night readings correct. Meter readers may transpose them.Usually r1 is day rate and r2 is night., but not always !! check which register advances in the daytime hours. Don t let Spark transpose the readings

macman

Octopus Energy can offer you an E7 tariff: what exactly is the perceived issue you refer to?

Pilau

Sorry for the late reply and thanks to all of you for answering.

1. It's gone beyond the 14 days cooling period. I've tried to get them to go by readings but the staff insisted they need 6 months to go by my actual readings as they need to then work out my average reading or usage. I'm frustrated. Even if I did give them my reading it's direct debit so wouldn't it be too late?

2. About the Economy 7 and Octupus issue, I was just going by an online review where someone said they couldn't to to Octupus due to having economy 7.

Please help this is causing me a lot of issues. Thanks in advance.