Tonik energy mis-selling? Unethical?

Zarpak85

Around June last year just before I came to the end of my fixed tariff, tonik emailed me informing me that my direct debit was being reduced based on my consumption...
I, being the naive consumer thought ok brilliant...  but still thought to check the price and compare with comparison websites.  

Of course no other energy company could come close to what tonik said I have to pay based on consumption.
Fast forward a year and little did I know that I had accrued £700 in debt with them due to paying alot less than what I should of.   (And now can't leave)

I thought maybe this was a one off but the exact same thing happened to my mother and Im sure we aren't the only ones..

I've emailed tonik regarding the matter and had zero response.

Am I up Sh*t creek?

Ps. I desperately want to leave tonik however cannot pay the money in one lump.  My mother set up a payment plan with them... Then realised that Tonik sold the debt to a company called credit style ltd.  They are underhanded at best!!  Whilst operating under the facade of being ethical.

Gerry1

Welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately, the answer is a big YES.  Sounds harsh, but  sadly you've hit the nail on the head. It must be the most common mistake on this forum: not sending monthly meter readings, not checking bills, not understanding that the DD is just a kitty and that you're not on an All You Can Eat tariff.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/lower-energy-direct-debits/#whatyoupay

Zarpak85

thanks,  I feel kind terrible that I didn't realise this is what was happening!  

Whilst I may be up !!!!!! creek,  Tonik should still have an obligation to respond to me shouldn't they?  
There are some other issues I have with them which do not add up..  in September last year my bill was £900 being one of them!  I have asked them about this and again, no response..  I sent the email over a month ago! do I really have to wait another month before I can complain to the ombudsman?  

Gerry1

They should have reviewed your DD in a timely manner, but it seems they had massive problems with a new billing system and then of course the plague.  You can go to the Ombudsman eight weeks after submitting your complaint.  But probably the best you can hope for is about £50 compensation for poor service, and a payment plan.  You've used the energy so you'll have to pay for it.

From now on, think kWh and annual costs from actual meter readings (take them monthly), do the sums and make sure you always know where you stand.