Green Energy sent a final bill that wasn't correct, then another corrected final bill

EdithSitwell

Green Energy sent me a final bill on 27 May then 7 weeks later sent another. This was because they'd realised the bill of 27/05 was based on estimated readings. They had refunded me £96 soon after 27 May, and next week will debit £103. I can afford this, but I've complained because it seems wrong that they send something called a final bill but are then able to say oh no wait that wasn't final after all. They said OK we'll think about changing the system so that can't happen. I didn't feel they took it seriously. Anyone else had similar experience? I suppose next step is take it to ombudsman.

Reed_Richards

This would appear to be common practice.  Ofgem requires energy companies to send a final bill within six weeks but allows companies to revise the bill later.  This may be because the six week time limit was to prevent companies hanging-on to a credit balance for too long after a switch away. Ofgem don't seem to care if consumers are unexpectedly asked for more money, as in this instance.  

MichaelWade

I have had a similar experience. They sent me a final bill for over £1,000, which I am sure is wrong. I got switched to EDF along with everyone else on Feb 1st and am still unable to submit meter readings so everything is based on estimates. It’s crazy. 

I haven’t paid my GNE final bill yet, it says on it this is not a request for payment, or similar, but I am hoping it will be amended soon when EDF finally process my meter readings. I feel secure as I have loads of meter readings and dates on my phone and hope others do too.

Reed_Richards

When you start with a new energy company it helps if you supply them with a reading.  Whether or not you do this, there is then an adjudication process to determine a handover reading which becomes the final reading with your old supplier and the starting reading with your new supplier.  The adjudication process does not usually take too long but sometimes there are delays and this forces the leaving supplier to issue a "final" bill based on an estimate to meet the six week deadline.  They will then issue a new "final" bill when they get the adjudicated handover reading.   

EdithSitwell

Thanks for replies, all helpful to know especially the adjudication period information.

Reed_Richards

Good luck if you take this to the ombudsman.  My feeling is that energy companies should be obliged to make it crystal clear if they issue an interim "final" bill based on an estimated reading.  Unfortunately they don't seem to feel any obligation to do this and it appears that the rules do not oblige them to do so.    

[Deleted User]

EdithSitwell said:

Thanks for replies, all helpful to know especially the adjudication period information.

All companies have the legal right to correct bills and 6 years in which to make a claim for repayment. If the energy supplier had issued you a Final Bill claiming you owed them £300 when you didn’t, and you paid it, but after checking you found the bill to be in error, you would reasonably expect them to refund the overpayment.

Sadly, it is often the case that Ofgem introduces changes without considering the Law of Unintended Consequences. The BackBilling Code is another poorly thought through piece of regulation.

brewerdave

MichaelWade said:

I have had a similar experience. They sent me a final bill for over £1,000, which I am sure is wrong. I got switched to EDF along with everyone else on Feb 1st and am still unable to submit meter readings so everything is based on estimates. It’s crazy. 

I haven’t paid my GNE final bill yet, it says on it this is not a request for payment, or similar, but I am hoping it will be amended soon when EDF finally process my meter readings. I feel secure as I have loads of meter readings and dates on my phone and hope others do too.

This a thread about Green.Energy ,who are still trading NOT Green Network Energy

EdithSitwell

Reed_Richards said:

Good luck if you take this to the ombudsman.  My feeling is that energy companies should be obliged to make it crystal clear if they issue an interim "final" bill based on an estimated reading.  Unfortunately they don't seem to feel any obligation to do this and it appears that the rules do not oblige them to do so.    

I realise now that I don't actually have a reason to escalate. I just felt their attitude was "so what", which is really what got my back up. I mean what if someone just didn't have the cash to spare and ended up overdrawn and then facing penalty fees etc etc

Reed_Richards

If I had control of Ofgem I would oblige the energy companies to make it crystal clear when a "final" bill might be subject to revision.  The consumer could then at least try to hang on to some cash so it was less likely that they became overdrawn.

Bacman

If you get a final bill based on estimate when you've provided the actual figures then sure, it will get adjusted and the difference made plus or minus; is that really a gripe?? If your final bill was on your figures then sure that is final, but readings given, estimate charged and credited back for the difference - what's the problem?