Outfox The Market Direct Debit changes

Neil_Jones

Related but rather than post the message twice, an email from OFTM:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=75069653&postcount=513

dazzh

Neil_Jones wrote: »

Related but rather than post the message twice, an email from OFTM:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=75069653&postcount=513

Just received the above email also.

My usual DD is £93. Winter is now £132 and Summer £55 it works out I pay the same total over the Year.

However I'm £272 in credit and according to the email:
REFUNDS
If your account is in credit and sufficient to cover a minimum of two months consumption, we will happily process any refunds.

Why do I need 2 months credit in my account as the increased DD will cover my monthly bill.

lucyC

I have switched from OFTM as the price hike is crazy, and has doubled my payments. I was in credit so cancelled my direct debit. Now OFTM are saying I owe them for a direct debit I have already payed, plus they have sent me an invoice for gas I supposedly used last month, but they were taking this on an estimated reading which was wrong, and they have the actual reading.

I have been tring to contact them for nearly a week now. The phone line just says engaged, the webchat doesnt work, and iv sent lots of emails to all their addresses, and all i have had back is a generic email about the changes. I have now had a solicitors email saying to reinstate my direct debit or they will charge me, but I can only do this on the phone which doesnt work!!

[Deleted User]

Can you let us know when your switch over to the new company take place? Can you also let us know, what date it is in the month for your meter reading to be given to OTFM? What contract with OFTM are you on? Is it a fixed term variable, or just a variable contract where they an increase the price of energy at any time?
The date of the meter reading is important because if you give them a meter reading one day either side of when you are supposed to, then they will estimate your reading and charge you accordingly.


When you have done that, we can have a discussion about how you can communicate with them, if you can't get through on line. They are very busy at the moment, and though they deem that communication should be on line, there is nothing to prevent you sending them a letter by registered post, to their Head Office address, with your meter readings and a letter explaining the problem and asking for further information and what you are supposed to do about it.
I hope this helps.
ATB
Dougie.

BedrockFred

DouglasRankine wrote: »

Can you let us know when your switch over to the new company take place? Can you also let us know, what date it is in the month for your meter reading to be given to OTFM? What contract with OFTM are you on? Is it a fixed term variable, or just a variable contract where they an increase the price of energy at any time?
The date of the meter reading is important because if you give them a meter reading one day either side of when you are supposed to, then they will estimate your reading and charge you accordingly.


When you have done that, we can have a discussion about how you can communicate with them, if you can't get through on line. They are very busy at the moment, and though they deem that communication should be on line, there is nothing to prevent you sending them a letter by registered post, to their Head Office address, with your meter readings and a letter explaining the problem and asking for further information and what you are supposed to do about it.
Dougie.

At more exspence to the customer, I switched last night and have caneclled my DD as I am nearly £200 in credit more than enough to pay for the final bill, and was told on online chat this was fine

thriftytracey

This last month my bill was £68 including the membership fee and I am £60 in credit. My winter direct debit has gone up from £90 per month to £160 per month.


I think I will just ask for a credit refund as it starts to increase. We use very little gas and I can't see the electricity consumption increasing dramatically as it gets colder - I won't be using more hot water or having my oven on more, doing more ironing or boiling more kettles! Maybe I am missing something?

lucyC

Thanks Dougie

I am on zap september tariff, Id only just switched with them. I have no exit fees so I initiated a switch when they upped my direct debits. Im not sure if thats a variable tariff, as far as Im aware they can change the price anytime, but surely its unreasonable to double it.
My online account now says I havent payed octobers direct debit even though I have in my statement, and the new invoice they have sent me is going by an estimate given by my last supplier, rather than the actual reading I gave them.
I am going to dispute this as it is totally out from my usual usage.
Its just so frustrating as I cant talk to anyone from the company. I have a number for Fischer energy who are the company, and for foxglove energy which is also who they are run by. I am going to contact them both directly and see if that gets me anywhere.

lucyC

Fischer energy 0800 103 2769
Foxglove Energy 0116 2963170

I havent tried either of these numbers yet, will tomorrow. But thats the contact details I got from them online

[Deleted User]

What can I say....very good advice for those who have left the sinking ship...:-). More cheap energy to your elbow...Meanwhile there are a lot more nervous and less confident and less knowledgeable people than you...fortunately or unfortunately. And they need help to work through it. I shall be leaving soon, too, At the moment I am composing my leaving address to the Great and Cunning Fox Mr. Bastia, who has outfoxed us all and made us into sacrificial lambs at the expense of his own incompetence and ability to read the marketplace...:-).

ATB
Dougie.

Simon_Booth

Hi. I have not searched other providers yet but do you think this is a generic thing or just Out Fox the Market