Can anyone advise me on taking an energy company to court

MWT

Have tried to read through it all but it isn't easy.

I can't tell if the Ombudsman actually reviewed all the evidence and came to the conclusion that the amount claimed was payable, but if so and there was no appeal against that decision at the time then that is obviously unhelpful.

As for the small claims process, I don't see how this is applicable as there is no counter-claim against Scottish Power so nothing for the court to render judgement on...

There appears to be no evidence of actual meter readings to base any claim that the estimated usage was not reasonable or any effort made to show the meter was still running when all use in the property turned off for example...

Best I can suggest is an appeal to the Ombudsman again but supported with some clear simple statements, not a wall of text.

Perhaps CAB could help to piece that together...?

niktheguru

you might find it tough now you've supposedly move house to somewhere else. 
You cant prove any of your usage as you and they never read your meter
Can you prove the other flat was using your energy? probably difficult now you've moved out.
How come you never read your meter when you saw your bills were getting higher and higher?
Please tell your family members the importance of checking their bills, not relying on estimates. If they cant be bothered to send meter readings, get a smart meter ASAP.

Ectophile

On the subject of bailiffs, they have no authority to do anything unless Scottish Power have taken you to court and won the case.  Until then, all they can do is send you threatening letters.  If they do contact you, tell them that the bill is in dispute and they must refer the matter back to Scottish Power.

If they have taken you to court and won, then give up and pay the money.

PixelPound

Bailiffs only come after a CCJ has been issued. Does this debt have a CCJ? If not then it is a case of disputing when a claim is issued, possibly on the grounds that the bill is based on estimates. It is possible the debt collectors will settle for a lower amount, but really you need legal advice before you take any action. The reason being if you take them to court and lose, costs could be warded against, and you have a bigger bill.

Energyinsider

Billing issues are very common around meter exchanges, and given the amount they’re trying to charge £5,000 - £7,000 it’s likely the exchange or exchange readings haven’t been recorded correctly inflating usage.

I would go back to the ombudsman and highlight the date your meter was exchanged from a prepay meter.

Ask them to double check the readings that were used then and how those compare to subsequent reads. 

It sounds like your supplier should have put you on the priority services register which means that quarterly meter readings would have been organised for you. Seems to be a few failings here, Ombudsman will be your best bet

ssenightmare

Hi there I realise this is an old thread. I also had trouble with Sse saying that the bill is 22,000 numerous phone calls 2 m nobody helping they cannot actually charge you for more than 12 months usage so you’re absolutely right. I hope you got it sorted out if you didn’t get a solicitor ignore the negatives you have every right to take them to a small claims court and you will win. Good luck. 

Gerry1

ssenightmare said:

...they cannot actually charge you for more than 12 months usage so you’re absolutely right.

It's not quite correct to say that they cannot actually charge you for more than 12 months usage. Anyone relying on that claim could get a nasty surprise. For example, it doesn't apply if they can use an existing credit balance or if they've previously billed you.

ssenightmare said:

I hope you got it sorted out if you didn’t get a solicitor ignore the negatives you have every right to take them to a small claims court and you will win. Good luck. 

It's unlikely to be still ongoing after four years !  The OP posted once and never came back, so we'll never know the outcome.

However, it's not a good idea to suggest anyone can ignore warnings and go to the small claims court.  You need to know what you're doing and have a sound case, otherwise it could be expensive waste of everybody's time.