Big Energy company SSE charging hugh amounts of money in final bill once you've switched

stevewilliams2020

I have had the same problem with SSE.

I moved into the property on 3rd December (2019) and started the process to switch to eOn. The switch was completed on the 21st January (2020).

On the 17th March (2020) I was sent a "final" bill for electricity. The bill is for "Your adjustments" of 131.95 and electricity charges of 55.73.

I do not understand why I would be charged an extortionate "adjustment" fee. Having turned the bill over under the "Your adjustments" heading there is a charge of £131.95 for "Transfer amount - no VAT 16 Mar 2020" with no further explanation.

They have also sent a gas bill for a similar, ridiculous, final amount.

Does anyone have any idea what this "Transfer amount" is? This isn't the company seriously thinking they can charge me to switch away from them when I never signed a contract with them in the first place?

Gerry1

stevewilliams2020 said:

Does anyone have any idea what this "Transfer amount" is? This isn't the company seriously thinking they can charge me to switch away from them when I never signed a contract with them in the first place?

That's the problem.  You were on an expensive Deemed Contract the moment you turned on a light, and if you didn't register with SSE you will have stayed on it until E.On started supplying you.

stevewilliams2020

Gerry1 said:

stevewilliams2020 said:

Does anyone have any idea what this "Transfer amount" is? This isn't the company seriously thinking they can charge me to switch away from them when I never signed a contract with them in the first place?

That's the problem.  You were on an expensive Deemed Contract the moment you turned on a light, and if you didn't register with SSE you will have stayed on it until E.On started supplying you.

I figured that I would be on the 'default tariff', but surely they cannot charge an exit fee? I had no provision to change the electricity supplier until I had purchased the home, and that is a process that takes a number of days.

Robin9

"Transfer Amount" is an odd term - from the figures you give I don't think its Exit Fees as they would typically be £30 per fuel.
What are the tariff details on the first page of your bill ?

Gerry1

Insist on an itemised bill.

To avoid problems, anyone moving to a new property should read (and preferably photograph) the meters on the wall as soon as they take possession, and register with the existing suppliers before switching to a better deal.  You can't just tell the suppliers of your old property to bill you at your new address, that will only end in tears.