N Power Nightmare

blackdoor

I am about to complain to Ombudsman re N Power (I willl never switch again, its got me in such a mess!)

They have managed to not charge for over a years electricity usage and have now decided they want the charges back!

I'm a new mum and have a fixed low income. Very stressful for us.

I have been onto them and they agree its ridiculous but insist they cannot just right off the debt (£600)

Im furious, hey had my bank details and dispite me telling them I did not have a pre payment meter, they have just got round to billing me.

My Direct Debit is now £50 p/month for next few months now which is really taking my budget to its limit (was £29.00). This covers my usuage plus £5 per week off arrears.

They wanted £81 p/moth to cover this £600 - its ridiculous and I want the debt righting off.

Have new DD arrangement in writing from them.

Will ombudsman involnement eventually resolve this?

Terrylw1

Hi,

The rules per Ofgem about backbilling are:

- from 2005 up to July 2007, you could be backbilled for 2 years.
- since July 2007, you can be backbilled for 1 year

Thats per Ofgem and a Supplier has no choice but to stick to it. If they try to blag you, just mention that this is Ofgem's policy and they will back down.

If not, go to Energywatch not Ofgem. Ofgem are slower and will not achieve more than Energywatch can anyone for this type of basic issue.

You can log a complaint on line or call them, see link:

http://www.energywatch.org.uk/help_and_advice/how_we_can_help/make_a_complaint/index.asp


Sounds like when they registered you the Meter Operator stated you had a PP meter. This should have been corrected by arranging a site visit but the whole investigation is generally swift within a 2 month period.

They should not have made you wait this long as after a couple of months you should have just gone to Energywatch. They will liaise on your behalf and expect your Supplier to work within a set timeframe.

Energywatch will contact Customer Relations which is on the back of your bill. They are the complaints dept.

So, they will have no choice but to write off any usage over a year old if you were notified of the bill after July 2007. However, they can bill you that year but they must make attempts to help you to pay it.

There is nothing stopping them working out a payment schedule for up to 3 years. However, Suppliers don't like doing this as thye have to make special adjustments each year for it so they keep it for high level cases only. Maybe worth a go via EW.

They should have also requested you pay the average expected amount so you didn't fall into debt. However, that works for disputes but in your cases until they set your meter up correctly, I'll bet they never actually sent you a bill at all.

They can also give you compensation, typically £20-£50 which will help reduce your debt further.

Go to EW and let them help you. Explain your personal situation in regard to payments and maybe a compromise can be reached.

You have to also remember that you have used the energy and you knew that. So, you are liable for what you used. However, due to the hassle and the fact you couldn't do anything to resolve it, EW will help find a compormise but you won't get a full write off.