SO Energy

tonyuchiha101

My tariff is coming to an end with So Energy.
I've had a final statement and been told I owe them close to £300. 
Apparently they have been taking Smart Meter readings every month however they will only adjust my direct debit every 6 months leading to underpayments despite having accurate monthly usage readings. 
Now they're telling me that unless the debt is paid by the closing date of the tariff, I'll be forced onto a more expensive tariff and I wont be allowed to switch - they wont release their hold on my supply apparently. This will trap me in a spiral of deeper and deeper debt. Surely this hold on my gas and electric supply cant be legal?

Gerry1

It is legal.  All suppliers do this, to prevent people (obviously not you !) from doing a series of moonlight flits from one supplier to another.

It's just another example of the smart meter fiasco not delivering.  There's no point in promising 'no estimated bills' when slow DD reviews still allow bill shock in the way that the OP describes.

If Ofgem were any good they'd have made Variable Direct Debit the default option  That way, you'd pay every month for exactly what you had just used, no more no less.  Sadly, few suppliers offer this.  It also has the advantage that unexpectedly high usage soon shows up, not six months later.

Of course, some people will prefer Fixed DDs if they're running on a tight budget.  Ofgem should still allow that on request but still mandate that large debits and credits shouldn't be allowed to mount up.

Ask to go on the cheapest tariff that So Energy offer, and also ask for a payment plan.

niktheguru

Gerry1 said:

It is legal.  All suppliers do this, to prevent people (obviously not you !) from doing a series of moonlight flits from one supplier to another.

It's just another example of the smart meter fiasco not delivering.  There's no point in promising 'no estimated bills' when slow DD reviews still allow bill shock in the way that the OP describes.

If Ofgem were any good they'd have made Variable Direct Debit the default option  That way, you'd pay every month for exactly what you had just used, no more no less.  Sadly, few suppliers offer this.  It also has the advantage that unexpectedly high usage soon shows up, not six months later.

Of course, some people will prefer Fixed DDs if they're running on a tight budget.  Ofgem should still allow that on request but still mandate that large debits and credits shouldn't be allowed to mount up.

Ask to go on the cheapest tariff that So Energy offer, and also ask for a payment plan.

c'mon gerry, its hardly a smart meters fault if the supplier doesn't review the direct debit amount. Its the same if you gave meticulous meter readings monthly.

Robin9

The OP has some responsibility in this doesn't he/she ?    He will have been receiving statements/bills for the last 12 months.  Is it too difficult a task to look at these and look at the bottom line -to owe £500 this would have been building up month on month or for the OP to keep a simple spreadsheet. 

 The OP could increase the DD or make top up payments.

niktheguru

and the option to change the direct debit is on the so energy online account.

[Deleted User]

niktheguru said:

Gerry1 said:

It is legal.  All suppliers do this, to prevent people (obviously not you !) from doing a series of moonlight flits from one supplier to another.

It's just another example of the smart meter fiasco not delivering.  There's no point in promising 'no estimated bills' when slow DD reviews still allow bill shock in the way that the OP describes.

If Ofgem were any good they'd have made Variable Direct Debit the default option  That way, you'd pay every month for exactly what you had just used, no more no less.  Sadly, few suppliers offer this.  It also has the advantage that unexpectedly high usage soon shows up, not six months later.

Of course, some people will prefer Fixed DDs if they're running on a tight budget.  Ofgem should still allow that on request but still mandate that large debits and credits shouldn't be allowed to mount up.

Ask to go on the cheapest tariff that So Energy offer, and also ask for a payment plan.

c'mon gerry, its hardly a smart meters fault if the supplier doesn't review the direct debit amount. Its the same if you gave meticulous meter readings monthly.

I agree. If anything,  smart meters give the consumer the accurate information that he/she needs to adjust a DD. I have just dropped my monthly payment down to a £1 as I have accrued a slightly higher balance than I need at this time of the year. It was easily done online with no need to speak to CS.

worrywart_3

Any ok now know the state of okay with so? Accounts wise likely to go or less likely than others 

gt94sss2

So Energy are 75% owned by Irish state-owned electricity provider ESB so will be fine.

worrywart_3

Just seen this that’s a bit of a relief 🥲 
hope so although deal expires in April so right at a bad time but if so
means I’m protected through the worst of the winter 

bristolleedsfan

Do not seem to be after new business 

So Coconut
Gas standing charge (p/day)     26.11  Gas unit rate (p/kWh)     8.25
Electricity standing charge (p/day) 24.38Electricity unit rate (p/kWh) 30.33

worrywart_3

Yes I saw that bloody high isn’t it! Don’t suppose any one wants customers they are subsiding but that does seem remarkably high