We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Switching stalled

Options

Hi all,

I completed the purchase of my first home on the 28th of February this year and applied to switch from the current supplier, SSE, to E:on on the 1st of March. Unfortunately the switch was refused, I phoned SSE and they said that there was an outstanding balance. Once I explained that I had only completed the house on the 28th of Feb, they said I needed to ask e:on to reapply for the switch and in the interim would put me on their standard tariff.

Due to the coronavirus, it has been impossible to contact anyone at e:on, their only service is for emergencies, i.e people at risk of being cut off. After persistent emails I have been told numerous times to wait for more normal working hours to return and given the standard contact number - only for emergencies.

I received a bill off SSE the other day for 2 months of electric and gas and it is £224. My e:on tariff was £22 per month... Therefore the first 2 months energy has cost me a LOT more than I planned for and whilst its perhaps no ones fault, it does feel like SSE have taken advantage.

Can anyone advise me on what they would do, or am I likely to have to suck it up?

Thanks all,

Ed

Comments

  • Robin9
    Robin9 Posts: 12,776 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    What readings was the SSE bill based on -  I assume you gave SSE readings when you moved in - but perhaps the last reading are ESTIMATED ?

    PS are you serious in saying Eon was quoting you £22 a month for Elec and Gas (pull the other one) - standing charges alone would account for most of this !
    Never pay on an estimated bill. Always read and understand your bill
  • Gerry1
    Gerry1 Posts: 10,848 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Welcome to the forum.  Unfortunately it seems you don't understand the Direct Debit system: it's not all you can eat, and your ludicrously low £22 payment would soon have rocketed.  Start another switch and the clock will start ticking under the new rules effective from 1 May 2020.
    E.On probably won't be the cheapest: try comparing with Citizens Advice and 'Switch with Which?', and see whether separate suppliers work out cheaper.
  • Talldave
    Talldave Posts: 2,002 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Did you open an account with SSE on 28th Feb?  If not, that's why your switch was refused, because SSE thought you were the previous owner with their outstanding balance.
  • Despite OFGEM and Martin Lewis saying it is easy to switch, it has been an absolute nightmare. OVO blocked me leaving because I had an outstanding balance, yet its leaving letter says they will bill me 4-6 weeks after leaving. AVRO have been hopeless. No-one has been able to answer the phone at either company until I kept pressing 1 for an emergency and got through. Why would anyone do this and why is every supplier so awful. Any recommendations forum?
  • Neil_Jones
    Neil_Jones Posts: 9,546 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Despite OFGEM and Martin Lewis saying it is easy to switch, it has been an absolute nightmare. OVO blocked me leaving because I had an outstanding balance, yet its leaving letter says they will bill me 4-6 weeks after leaving. AVRO have been hopeless. No-one has been able to answer the phone at either company until I kept pressing 1 for an emergency and got through. Why would anyone do this and why is every supplier so awful. Any recommendations forum?

    Pay Ovo what you owe?  Would seem to be the easiest solution. A supplier can refuse a switch if you owe them money, however that situation has occurred...
  • chuddart
    chuddart Posts: 5 Forumite
    Second Anniversary First Post
    Same thing is happening to my mum. They cancelled the switch and asking her pay  the just has figure for her to pay but does provide reading nor any close out date. They have closed her online account so she can't check what her statements. My estimate of the is 50% less than demand. A have some data for the preceding months which when her dad is subtracted then part consumption added. It does not come there close out demand. What should I advise to do. I am not happy to have pay some figure from them without proof of liability.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.9K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.5K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.9K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.9K Life & Family
  • 257.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.