How long can energy companies keep my details?

PIPPY

I left the supplier 6 years ago with no debt, owing them nothing.
It is only because my info is still with them that this mistake was able to happen. They've told me that where my account should say "amount paid", it says "amount owed" and a bill has been generated. They acknowledge that this is totally wrong.
If they didn't have my details anymore this mistake couldn't be made.

John_

Essmum said:

John_ said:

Essmum said:

They are lying to you.. once the debt has been cleared there is no reason to keep your details. 
I have deleted customers details many a time when they have requested it. 
Write in and request it and if they still refuse open a complaint. 

That’s rubbish. It’s a commercial decision, and they are allowed to keep details for as long as it is reasonable to do so. If they want to make sure that they never deal with the same customer again, for example if there had been fraud against them, then this can be a lifetime.

I did say if there is any debt or queries on the account..but for a regular customer who has closed their account and gone to a new supplier then no reason not to delete their details if they ask..
Many elderly customers dont like their details being kept once they are no longer on supply especially with online accounts.

But the debt doesn’t need to be current, you can keep details if someone who you don’t want to deal with again for a long time as long as it can be justified.