Unable to Move Price Plan Internally - Peoples Energy

Peter_87

We have contacted our current provider (Peoples Energy) who we joined a few months ago on a variable tariff.
We are now looking to move onto a Fixed Tariff with the same provider but are being advised that we are unable to move unless we clear any balance on the account.
As we joined in winter we are currently in negative balance (which is to be expected) - are they allowed to prevent a move to a cheaper tariff on this basis? Seems unfair.

Neil_Jones

How long ago was a few months? You should at least have some credit or be close to zero on the account by now, not negative? How far negative are we?

Peter_87

Moved September/October time - think we have a debit of about £100 on account. As we moved in winter we didn't have any credit balance built up from summer.

Have recontacted them and they also want us to pay 2 months advance so would be looking in the region of £340 to move to a cheaper tariff.

Neil_Jones

Okay but why are you in debit now? How much have you been paying a month to them?

PennineAcute

I assume it is their company and they can set the rules. Other than that, do a switch if someone else is cheaper.

captaincork

They deliberately keep you in debit to handcuff you to them. There is no way to clear any debit ,either online or by card or cheque. This can only be a planned action, I cannot think of any other company who when notifying a debit on an account does not have a 'pay now' box available. I have never yet had a Gas bill which matches the readings sent in on time, it is always estimated and always leaves me in debit.

JJ_Egan

One move two complain three complain to OFsomebody .