Flow energy issue

firsttimebuyer2017

Hi

We purchased a property August 17. When we moved in the energy provider was immediately switched. The property had been rented by the owners.

By September 17 we received a letter from.Flow energy addressed to the landlord saying £134 was owing for energy costs. The bill was addressed to "the landlord". We contacted Flow to explain there is no landlord at the property and that we have no responsibility to help facilitate recovery of this bill with the previous owners or their tenants.

Their response was that we should just ignore it after having received several letters. The demand cycle has now started again after having written to them telling them l will escalate it to the Energy Ombudsman.. The most recent letter is a threat to pass it on to s debt collection agency.

We've had enough now. Can anyone advise on our next move as we do not hold any responsibility for this and they do not seem to be listening.

Thanks

dj1471

Why not simply give them the vendor's details so they can chase the right person?

Hermione_Granger

firsttimebuyer2017 wrote: »

We contacted Flow to explain there is no landlord at the property and that we have no responsibility to help facilitate recovery of this bill with the previous owners or their tenants.

No responsibility but if you did help, it might bring the matter to a swift conclusion.

JJ_Egan

When you moved in did you register with the deemed supplier (Flow) before switching ??
When you move into a property you are in a deemed contract with the existing supplier until you register with them . Then you are free to move .

firsttimebuyer2017

Hi we never registered with them and immediately let them know we would be switching.

In telephone and written communication we have explained several times we are not in contact with the previous owner nor tenants but they seem unwilling to cease pursuing this. Fail to understand why.

We'll engage with the Energy Ombudsman Monday and see what our rights are to resolve this.

Apologies for the duplicate thread - seems to have submitted twice.

dj1471

You can't switch energy suppliers without registering with the incumbent supplier first. Sounds like this bill may be yours after all...

You have the previous owner's name and address in the contract and other paperwork associated with the property purchase. If you're determined to be unhelpful it's just going to be more hassle for you in the long run.

firsttimebuyer2017

dj1471 wrote: »

You can't switch energy suppliers without registering with the incumbent supplier first. Sounds like this bill may be yours after all...

You have the previous owner's name and address in the contract and other paperwork associated with the property purchase. If you're determined to be unhelpful it's just going to be more hassle for you in the long run.

We initiated the switch as soon as completion took place and had a new supplier (Avro) pretty much on occupancy. So no, the bill Isn't ours as Flow acknowledged but keep sending these letters.

With regard previous owners, it's an option but they were difficult during the sale and are likely to be unhelpful.

See what the Ombudsman says.

Thanks to all for input.

dj1471

OK, based on what you've said at least part of that bill is yours.

On completion you entered an energy supply contract with Flow. You have no choice about this, it's specified in law. You must pay Flow for the energy you used (plus standing charges) between completion and your switch taking place.

Had you registered with Flow and provided your meter readings like you're supposed to they would know that any debt before completion isn't yours and would likely have written it off. You could also have made sure you were on the cheapest Flow tarrif rather than the standard.

You need to contact Flow and pay what you owe them. Once their systems are properly updated with the change in occupancy/ownership it is likely that the letters will stop.