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Energy company demanding £30.00 to exit contract

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I had a year's contract with Green Star Energy, joined them to fulfil my interest in contributing to improving the environment. Within a short time I was dissatisfied  with them and decided I would not renew. I was put on Everyday Tariff whilst I looked round for new suppliers. I found one and applied to move my account.  Having paid the final bill to Green Star Energy I expected the move to ahead. Green Star Energy then said I had a 2 year contract with them and that I must pay them £30 to be able to leave. I contacted their customer service who acknowledged from the records that I had refused any offer of renewal and that she would ask the sales people to listen to their tape and get back to me. They have not done so. 
Ofgem had British Gas compensate clients they charged exit fees. Green Star Energy has become part of Shell who is now pursuing the matter as I have not paid Green Star as I do not consider myself to have a contract with them and will not pay the £30.00 exit fee they are demanding.
Can anyone shed light on what my rights are in this situation? 

Comments

  • matelodave
    matelodave Posts: 9,077 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Stop phoning - If you think you are in the right (you really do need to check that you are correct in accordance with your T&C's) send in a complaint (written by both e-mail and recorded delivery) requesting a deadlock letter within 14 day so you can go to the ombudsman if they havent sorted it out within that timescale..

    Be factual, not emotive, use dates, times and ideally who you spoke to etc.. It's always a really good idea to make a timeline diary when you are making a complaint and use the written word rather than phoning. Bullet points have more impact than a long rambling rant

    If they don't send a deadlock letter and don't sort it out then you can go to the Ombudsman yourself after eight weeks
    Never under estimate the power of stupid people in large numbers
  • Robin9
    Robin9 Posts: 12,776 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    When I look at my GNE online account it gives an agreement end date. What does yours say?
    Never pay on an estimated bill. Always read and understand your bill
  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 35,985 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    You had a year's contract but within a short time were dissatisfied with them.
    Are you past that 12 month's initial contract or not? 
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
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