Are Scottish Power The most Incompetent Company Ever?.

Redrobin87

Bit long so apologise.
My father had an account with Scottish Power for gas and electricity. He died last November and as next of kin It was left to me to inform his creditors.
I contacted Scottish power and spoke to their bereavement team and informed them of the circumstances. His account was then closed but there was an outstanding bill of just under £80. I explained that there was no money in his estate but that he had a house that was going to be sold and all outstanding bills would be paid out of the sale. They took my details and was informed that they would now contact me direct and nothing more would be sent to my fathers address.
January and February were quiet. Then this coronavirus started to kick in and that was when there were going to be delays in getting the house on the market. Informed all his creditors of this delay including Scottish Power and all seemed to be fine with it. March, started to receive bills from Scottish Power, For estimated usage of power. Baring in mind that the house is empty so there was no usage of gas or electricity since the middle of December. Went online to input correct meter readings and this was denied. So, managed to contact someone via phone and gave correct readings. Since then to date have had nearly a dozen letters from Scottish Power stating that they have not received up to date meter readings despite giving them on an almost fortnightly basis now as I kept getting so many letters. Also I started to have bills ranging from £56 to the last one three days ago of £185. This is despite the house being vacant and still on the market.
The weekend just gone I started to receive phone calls from them asking to speak to my late father. Obviously, he cannot be contacted, but since then I have had daily phone calls from these people asking for my father, culminating yesterday morning with me losing it with this stupid woman who stated that they will continue to call until they speak to him.
This might all sound funny,  but it is very distressful. I spoke to their complaints team yesterday and made an official complaint, which after again receiving yet another phone call this morning, seems to have been a totally pointless exercise.
To show how incompetent these people are. Last night I had an e mail from them stating that I owed £113. Today I get a letter stating I owe £169. After speaking to one of their advisers I owe £113. Tuesday before speaking to someone, I owed £156. After speaking to someone and being told that was an estimated figure and giving the correct reading AGAIN I was told the bill is now £181, this is despite the actual readings being less than their estimated figures.
I am at my end with these people and wondering if anyone else has had any similar experiences with such an incompetent company?.
I think my next step might be an e mail or letter to their Chief Executive if I can find his details.
Sorry for the rant. Just wanted to get this off my chest.

Gerry1

Look on the Ceoemail website.

jbuchanangb

Good you have got it off your chest. Terribly distressing for you. Don't phone them anymore. Write them a letter headed Complaint. You are writing in your capacity of Executor in the Estate of the late gentleman (your father's name). You fully understand that the Estate is liable for the energy charges at the property, but that until grant of probate (or letters of administration) there are no funds available. You request that all further statements of account be sent to you as Executor at [whatever address suits you]. You will not enter into any further communications with them except in writing.

Robin9

Although there may be little in the way of energy used - perhaps just things like burglar alarms and boiler - there will be charges of about 20p / day for both gas and elec - about £100.

Redrobin87

Hi, Thanks for all your replies.
The thing is, I am not phoning them they are phoning me, now every day. As to the charges, there is no burglar alarm, just emersion heater which has not been used since he died. He had no central heating (very old fashioned, if it was cold just put on another coat ). one gas fire and gas cooker that has been removed and that was it in relation to gas. electric, usual things like lights and other ancillary items but nothing used since December.
I am aware that I might have to pay something but if they can only agree what it is that is owed would help. when you have bills ranging from £54 to over £180 and they wont give a breakdown as to how they come to any of their figures it is pretty frustrating.
going to see family solicitor tomorrow so might just put it all in his hands. 
Again, thanks for your replies. 

Gerry1

Why not read the meters, do the sums, pay them what is owed and then reclaim it from the estate when it has all been settled?

Redrobin87

Hi,
Would love to do that. However, early April was hit with this Covid virus and only now really recovering from it. And on top of that my employer decided to call it a day regarding his business, so out of work as well.
I have NHS and Military pension to live on but after bills I am left with £35 each month in my pocket. So not much to play with regarding paying more on top.

Vegastare

An email to this man I think - CEO  
{Email address removed by Forum Team}

Gerry1

Redrobin87 said:

Hi,
Would love to do that. However, early April was hit with this Covid virus and only now really recovering from it. And on top of that my employer decided to call it a day regarding his business, so out of work as well.
I have NHS and Military pension to live on but after bills I am left with £35 each month in my pocket. So not much to play with regarding paying more on top.

Sorry to hear that.  Apologies if my suggestion seemed insensitive.

GunJack

I'll believe anything from this sh17-shower if a company after battling with them to sort my eldest's account with them. Sorry for your loss and hang in there, it will get sorted - you play by the rules and give them hell..

m-holland

To answer your question, yes. Scottish Power are the most incompetent company I have ever had to deal with