Gas contract renewed via third party against our wishes.

BYRON63

We are a small organisation and are to recieve a new Gas boiler under a local scheme.Contracts for the new supplier,direct debits etc were exchanged earlier this year.The current Gas supplier were informed,as our contract expired November 30,2019.
However,a third party firm contacted a colleague some months ago to extend;my colleague explained we were having a new boiler,changing supplier,and just wanted cover till end of current contract.Now, we have been told the current supplier has arranged a new contract for 3 years,till November 2022.They say it was a verbal agreement,which we disagree with strongly.Now, we face not having our new boiler,as the suppliers can't be changed at present. I've tried contacting the current supplier,been given the runaround via departments,then sent an email as they asked explaining everything,but no joy as yet.I've even asked for a recording of said phone conversation for proof. Nothing,as yet. HELP ! anyone ?? !

Cardew

Try Trading Standards at your local council

Epizone

Cardew wrote: »

Try Trading Standards at your local council

To contact Trading Standards, you now need to go via Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

This is to filter out inappropriate reports, such as this would be. Trading standards primarily offer advice on, and to an extent enforce, consumer law.

This is not a consumer contract.

Epizone

BYRON63 wrote: »

We are a small organisation and are to recieve a new Gas boiler under a local scheme.Contracts for the new supplier,direct debits etc were exchanged earlier this year.The current Gas supplier were informed,as our contract expired November 30,2019.
However,a third party firm contacted a colleague some months ago to extend;my colleague explained we were having a new boiler,changing supplier,and just wanted cover till end of current contract.Now, we have been told the current supplier has arranged a new contract for 3 years,till November 2022.They say it was a verbal agreement,which we disagree with strongly.Now, we face not having our new boiler,as the suppliers can't be changed at present. I've tried contacting the current supplier,been given the runaround via departments,then sent an email as they asked explaining everything,but no joy as yet.I've even asked for a recording of said phone conversation for proof. Nothing,as yet. HELP ! anyone ?? !

Presumably, if somone is in the practice of relying on verbal contracts, they record such discussions.

If they seek to rely upon such evidence, they should provide you a copy as part of disclosure prior to any hearing.
So you will be able to decide then if you wish to continue contesting their claim.

Gerry1

It's known as an Erroneous Transfer: search the MSE forums and in general, and you'll find a lot of useful stuff.

Conduct everything in writing so that you have an audit trail. Send a letter headed COMPLAINT: ERRONEOUS TRANSFER to the CEOs of both suppliers (you can find the info if you search for the ceoemail website (link not allowed)) with emails as well.

Get proof of posting (free) or send by recorded delivery. Ask for a deadlock letter by return and warn that you will take the matter to the Ombudsman. That's a useful threat because it costs them several hundred pounds win or lose.

Go to the Ombudsman upon receipt of said letter or after eight weeks.

Epizone

Gerry1 wrote:

It's known as an Erroneous Transfer: search the MSE forums and in general, and you'll find a lot of useful stuff.

Conduct everything in writing so that you have an audit trail. Send a letter headed COMPLAINT: ERRONEOUS TRANSFER to the CEO of both suppliers (you can find the info if you search for the ceoemail website (link not allowed)) with emails as well. Get proof of posting (free) or send by recorded delivery. Ask for a deadlock letter by return and warn that you will take the matter to the Ombudsman. That's a useful threat because it costs them several hundred pounds win or lose.

Go to the Ombudsman upon receipt of said letter or after eight weeks.

#fakeinfo .

Gerry1

Epizone wrote: »

#fakeinfo .

Would you care to explain your accusation against me, please?

Essmum

That is not an ET as according to the OP his partner agreed to the switch.

Gerry1

The OP seems to believe it's an Erroneous Transfer, so that's the process that should be followed. Nothing fake in suggesting that.

Of course, the claim may or may not be justified; ultimately that would be for the Ombudsman to decide, based upon all the evidence submitted.

molerat

It is not an erroneous transfer, OP wanted to change supplier, it was a new contract set up with their supplier at the time.

BYRON63

Thankyou all for your input.After much to-ing and fro-ing, ,(and a last-gasp threat to go the Ombudsman)we have resolved the problem.After asking the Energy supplier for copies of the said phone calls from the Third-Party brokers,and investigating further,they have agreed that we were not bound into the new 3-year contract,and they have terminated immediately. New boiler,here we come !