Energy suppliers changing mind

jmh7

Hi there,

I moved out of my old flat two months ago, at the time my energy supplier closed my account and told me I did not owe anything.

They have recently got in touch to say I owe £350+ (I assume someone else has moved in and supplied a meter reading which has skewed the energy consumed - I didn't supply a final energy meter reading by the looks of it - although I thought I had).

Anyway, that is a lot of money to pay in full so I got in touch and asked to repay approx. £50 a month starting from January - as I'm already repaying other debts and on a DMP.

They accepted this by email.

Then a few days later, the full £350+ was taken from my account via the direct debit - even after they accepted my repayment plan.

I then received another email to apologise and that they would refund the full amount, and then set up the repayment to start in January.

I then rang to arrange the refund and repayment, however I was then told on the phone they have changed their mind and can only refund £200 and then they would start the repayment in January.

I feel this is very unfair and very unprofessional. Is this even legal?

Any advice?

D_M_E

Get on to your bank and tell them the £350 payment was NOT authorised by you and you want it back under the direct debit guarantee.

Next, send a letter to the energy company - letter written on paper and posted - headed COMPLAINT in big bold letters.

Tell them you supplied closing readings and give them the dates when you moved in and when you moved out.

Tell them you want a detailed bill for that period showing consumption and charges related to the tariff you were on and any payments made by you.

You did keep details of what tariff and payments, yes?

Once the letter has been posted you can send your complaint by email to the supplier as well.

If, after 8 weeks have passed without a successful resolution then escalate it to the Ombudsman.

Just_Di

I don't know how long you were in the old property and whether there were any meter readings during your occupation etc, but read up on the Backbilling Code to see if this would apply to you >

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/who-contact-if-its-difficult-paying-energy-bills/energy-backbilling-your-rights

Di