How soon after switching can I cancel my the direct debit with the old supplier? (Tonik Energy)

Ectophile

inspectorperez said:

Just wondering why Biscuit_Tin hasn't justified his/her dismissal of my earlier post (timed at 9.58 a.m) as "poor and inaccurate advice" when he/she has been active on other threads.

No discourtesy intended, but I would like to know his/her reasoning.

Ok, I will have a go then.  There may be one more bill to pay once the changeover meter reading hits the system.  If you have already cancelled the direct debit, then this will most likely end up with stroppy letters, especially if you were on a contract where you agreed to pay by direct debit.  If you leave the direct debit open for a bit longer, they can sort out the last bill through that.

inspectorperez

Appreciate that response Ectophile. But, if you are certain that your final bill (having done your own calculations) will leave you in credit, even allowing for a reasonable tolerance, what problem does cancellation of the direct debit cause?

brewerdave

Ectophile said:

inspectorperez said:

Just wondering why Biscuit_Tin hasn't justified his/her dismissal of my earlier post (timed at 9.58 a.m) as "poor and inaccurate advice" when he/she has been active on other threads.

No discourtesy intended, but I would like to know his/her reasoning.

 If you leave the direct debit open for a bit longer, they can sort out the last bill through that.

The problem with that reasonable scenario, is that many of the Utility Cos. are taking months to produce a final bill. This can result in them taking multiple DDs before that bill is produced - I know ,because I ended up being owed £00s a couple of years ago because my then leccy supplier took two DDs after I had left them and before raising the final bill! 
As a result of that I now cancel the old supplier's DD once I know my switch has gone through - because I check my current debit/credit status, this means either they owe me or I owe them, a small amount.

FullForce

brewerdave said:

Ectophile said:

inspectorperez said:

Just wondering why Biscuit_Tin hasn't justified his/her dismissal of my earlier post (timed at 9.58 a.m) as "poor and inaccurate advice" when he/she has been active on other threads.

No discourtesy intended, but I would like to know his/her reasoning.

 If you leave the direct debit open for a bit longer, they can sort out the last bill through that.

The problem with that reasonable scenario, is that many of the Utility Cos. are taking months to produce a final bill. This can result in them taking multiple DDs before that bill is produced - I know ,because I ended up being owed £00s a couple of years ago because my then leccy supplier took two DDs after I had left them and before raising the final bill! 
As a result of that I now cancel the old supplier's DD once I know my switch has gone through - because I check my current debit/credit status, this means either they owe me or I owe them, a small amount.

From 1st May 2020, suppliers must now produce a final bill within 6 weeks of a switch having been completed.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/new-customer-compensation-payments-further-improve-switching
This was an expectation of suppliers previously, but now it's backed by an automatic penalty if they fail.

Btw, you do realise it is possible for a supplier to reinstate a cancelled DDI under certain conditions, don't you?
If you are so fearful of the Direct Debit process, don't use it at all.
But most people are more than satisfied by the safeguards afforded to us under the terms of the Direct Debit Guarantee.

inspectorperez

"Btw, you do realise it is possible for a supplier to reinstate a cancelled DDI under certain conditions....."

Only with the consent of the payer!

FullForce

inspectorperez said:

"Btw, you do realise it is possible for a supplier to reinstate a cancelled DDI under certain conditions....."

Only with the consent of the payer!

Indeed, consent is provided when you apply for the tariff that requires you to pay by Direct Debit.

inspectorperez

FullForce said:

inspectorperez said:

"Btw, you do realise it is possible for a supplier to reinstate a cancelled DDI under certain conditions....."

Only with the consent of the payer!

Indeed, consent is provided when you apply for the tariff that requires you to pay by Direct Debit.

Indeed, and that consent is withdrawn when the payer cancels the direct debit.

FullForce

inspectorperez said:

FullForce said:

inspectorperez said:

"Btw, you do realise it is possible for a supplier to reinstate a cancelled DDI under certain conditions....."

Only with the consent of the payer!

Indeed, consent is provided when you apply for the tariff that requires you to pay by Direct Debit.

Indeed, and that consent is withdrawn when the payer cancels the direct debit.

It's not quite as simple as that.

inspectorperez

FullForce said:

inspectorperez said:

FullForce said:

inspectorperez said:

"Btw, you do realise it is possible for a supplier to reinstate a cancelled DDI under certain conditions....."

Only with the consent of the payer!

Indeed, consent is provided when you apply for the tariff that requires you to pay by Direct Debit.

Indeed, and that consent is withdrawn when the payer cancels the direct debit.

It's not quite as simple as that.

Really? I think it is. Once consent is given and then withdrawn, it is that simple. If a supplier wishes for subsequent reinstatement, a second consent is required from the payer.

brewerdave

FullForce said:

brewerdave said:

Ectophile said:

inspectorperez said:

Just wondering why Biscuit_Tin hasn't justified his/her dismissal of my earlier post (timed at 9.58 a.m) as "poor and inaccurate advice" when he/she has been active on other threads.

No discourtesy intended, but I would like to know his/her reasoning.

 If you leave the direct debit open for a bit longer, they can sort out the last bill through that.

The problem with that reasonable scenario, is that many of the Utility Cos. are taking months to produce a final bill. This can result in them taking multiple DDs before that bill is produced - I know ,because I ended up being owed £00s a couple of years ago because my then leccy supplier took two DDs after I had left them and before raising the final bill! 
As a result of that I now cancel the old supplier's DD once I know my switch has gone through - because I check my current debit/credit status, this means either they owe me or I owe them, a small amount.

From 1st May 2020, suppliers must now produce a final bill within 6 weeks of a switch having been completed.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/new-customer-compensation-payments-further-improve-switching
This was an expectation of suppliers previously, but now it's backed by an automatic penalty if they fail.

Btw, you do realise it is possible for a supplier to reinstate a cancelled DDI under certain conditions, don't you?
If you are so fearful of the Direct Debit process, don't use it at all.
But most people are more than satisfied by the safeguards afforded to us under the terms of the Direct Debit Guarantee.

Hollow laughs all round about 6 weeks after a switch! There may be penalties in theory but getting the losing supplier to pay up is going to be ultra tough. Also they have a perfect excuse at the moment for delays!  I left Avro in Feb  and still waiting on final bill nearly 9 weeks after.
 As to reinstating a DD ? 1. I check my current accounts several times a week including looking at DD lists (anal ,I know!) and 2. I have been assured by my current account provider (Santander) that they do not allow a DD to be reinstated. A new DD would have to be set up.