Requesting advice urgently RE EDF

parkingnightmare

I recently had to change my EDF plan (gas and electric)
EDF have taken my direct debit out 8 times this month and have left me with no money!
I've called 4 times today (total 4 hours wait time) and been cut off every time. I've tried them on WhatsApp but still awaiting a reply.
Like many people I am struggling at the moment, I haven't worked for several months due to Covid restrictions, I now also live alone and I have no money even for food as EDF have taken it all, can someone please recommend something. I'm at my wits end.

MWT

Call your bank and invoke the DD guarantee, the bank will refund them to your account.

parkingnightmare

Thank you! I just did that. They took it out 8 times in August too! What is going on?
I've asked the bank to cancel my direct debit so will no doubt get a stroppy letter. 
Is there any action I can take? EDF have scammed money out of me before.

Gerry1

How bad do EDF have to get before you switch to better suppliers?

You'll probably save money as well.

welshmoneylover

We’re they resubmitted payments if the first one was unsuccessful?

dogshome

If EDF have taken the D/D eight times in October and September, it's high odds that their Computer will also try to do it in November, so whilst I never recommend cancelling the D/D as it creates future problems, in this case it was the only thing to do

FORGET THE PHONE - You must WRITE a letter headed Complaint setting out the details and enclosing  copies of your October and September bank accounts, demanding that the 'False' D/D's are sent back to your Bank and you will re-open your D/D account to receive when you have written confirmation that the multi collection problem has been resolved - Also add that you hold them responsible for any overdrawn Bank charges, and compensation for the embarrassment of having to borrow money from friends to buy food

The addess is:

Customer Service Team

EDF Energy

FREEPOST  RRYZ  -  BGYG  -  JCXR

334 Outland Rd.

Plymouth              PL3 5TU

parkingnightmare

Thank you for your replies. Yesterday was a bad day!
My recent personal circumstances have changed and live alone, finances are already stretched due to covid.
After having a panic attack, I followed @MWT  advice, my bank managed to sort it out.
@Gerry1  I can't leave EDF as I owe them money from another !!!!!! up of theirs a few years ago.
QUESTON:
1. I am supposed to be on a direct debit (slightly cheaper monthly payment for DD) but I have asked my bank to cancel it, I will not set up another DD with them as I do not trust them. Where do I stand with that?
2. What can I expect in terms of resolution / compensation after they drained my account, left me unable to buy food, I spend over 5 hours yesterday trying to contact them on phone - holding, being put on hold, getting cut off, no one calling back, (phone bill), time wasted, causing me mental distress. 

Robin9

Re 1 - you will be paying more for your energy

2 Depends on why - if the DD was rejected due to insufficient funds in your account (then nothing) or their error (in which case perhaps £25)

Gerry1

1. Read your Ts &Cs carefully.  You'll probably be put on an expensive tariff, and there might even be a fee as well.  It would be better to reinstate the DD, watch your bank account like a hawk and reverse any DD that breaks the rules.  Make sure you get alerts from your bank if your account is about to go below a set figure.
2. Probably £25 or so if you threaten to go to the ombudsman.

parkingnightmare

Yes, it was their error, although I do not see it as an error, I believe it was intentional. 

parkingnightmare

Thanks @Gerry1
What if I did go to the Ombudsman? I think they should be held responsible to explain how this happened. It seems to happen a lot. After all, if I started missing payments, Im sure I wouldn't be able to get away with saying 'oops, it's a mistake'