Energy firms wrongly force home movers on to fixes - we report them to the regulator

MSE_Emily

Firms including Octopus and Scottish Power have forced some home movers - both those renting and buying - on to fixes that can be up to double the price cap. But the rules say they must be allowed to go on to a capped tariff. We've compiled a dossier and sent it to the regulator Ofgem. 

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Energy firms wrongly force home movers on to fixes - we report them to the regulator

Reed_Richards

Versions of this story keep getting issued and then withdrawn.  Even the comments on the previous version seem to have been removed.

MWT

Not the most powerful exposé...

'Octopus CS staff make mistake, then correct it when a complaint is made...'

I'll bet Ofgem were grateful for that one being reported...

dj1471

I’m glad MSE have picked this up. I moved in September and there was no capped tariff available in British Gas’ online home move system. Upon calling them I was only offered two fixed tariffs. Thankfully I knew to request the capped tariff, but I’m sure lots of people have been misled into choosing a fix because they didn’t realise any other option was available.

BobT36

I love how they're not forced to market or inform, only (reluctantly) offer it if specifically asked.
Most people won't know to ask.. They're just going to take the initially offered options and not know to argue. 

K_S

Amazing work, thanks for highlighting these kind of sharp practices.

Scottw15

Having this exact problem now with Scottish Power. Moved house in October to a Scottish Power supplied house and asked to be placed on the standard tariff to be told it was impossible. I ended up on a fixed that is twice as expensive as the OFGEM cap.

Tried calling up again today to be told that they do not offer the SVT and they cannot switch me onto it. Same thing from their live chat and their twitter support won't answer questions. I have put in a complaint but who knows how long that will take.

Fred2712

Pretty sure according to Ofgem regs that suppliers don’t have to promote the standard variable tariff, hence why it’s not offered online.

Gerry1

@Scottw15 Submit a formal complaint via snail mail and get a free Certificate of Posting.  Go to the Ombudsman upon receipt of a deadlock letter, or after eight weeks if they don't send one.

In the meantime phone EDF and join them on their capped SVT.