Supplier keeping me on old rate

dunmol

Hello,
I am still paying for gas and electric on an old fixed rate that should have ended 31st Dec 21.
My supplier hasn’t moved me to the variable capped rate.
Not sure whether I should tell them or see how long I can get away with this for ?! 

MWT

Up to you, but they are going to notice at some point and they would be entitled to re-bill according to the correct tariff, so wait quietly if you prefer, but I'd be inclined to put the money aside to cover the increase just in case...

dunmol

Yes, probably best. I’m on a smart meter for electric but not for gas, which I provide monthly readings via the app. 

I’m also thinking I might move suppliers in a couple of months and try and get away with it that way. 

Robin9

In 6 years time they might discover their mistake and come knocking

Shedman

Robin9 said:

In 6 years time they might discover their mistake and come knocking

Doubtful if its BG or EDF (or even SP) judging by their usual level of competence 😅

Northern_Wanderer

Wouldn't they have to notify you about your deal coming to an end? Did they do that?

dunmol

Northern_Wanderer said:

Wouldn't they have to notify you about your deal coming to an end? Did they do that?

Yes. They did, didn’t move tariffs as nothing better than the variable at that time though. 

Northern_Wanderer

dunmol said:

Northern_Wanderer said:

Wouldn't they have to notify you about your deal coming to an end? Did they do that?

Yes. They did, didn’t move tariffs as nothing better than the variable at that time though. 

I guess I was thinking if they hadn't informed you they couldn't try to claw the money back. It's a tricky one. Either be honest or keep quiet but the latter might mean a nasty bill at some point. But, it's what you would have paid anyway. Hmmm...

pochase

Would this not fall under the backbilling rules?

• You can’t be charged for gas or electricity used more than 12 months ago if you have not been correctly billed for it, or informed about it via a statement of account, before. This includes situations where a supplier increases your Direct Debit because it was set too low. Suppliers cannot use this to recover any shortfall for a period longer than 12 months ago.
• Suppliers must make these terms clear in their contract terms and conditions.

The rules apply to household and small business energy customers.

They may not apply if you have behaved obstructively or unreasonably, preventing accurate billing. This could include:

• blocking meter readings at your property on more than one occasion
• stealing gas or electricity.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/check-energy-back-billing-rules

@dunmol has not done anything wrong by just doing nothing to move to the SVT. If the supplier gets it wrong they should not be able to change bills after more than 12 months.

dunmol

pochase said:

Would this not fall under the backbilling rules?

• You can’t be charged for gas or electricity used more than 12 months ago if you have not been correctly billed for it, or informed about it via a statement of account, before. This includes situations where a supplier increases your Direct Debit because it was set too low. Suppliers cannot use this to recover any shortfall for a period longer than 12 months ago.
• Suppliers must make these terms clear in their contract terms and conditions.

The rules apply to household and small business energy customers.

They may not apply if you have behaved obstructively or unreasonably, preventing accurate billing. This could include:

• blocking meter readings at your property on more than one occasion
• stealing gas or electricity.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/check-energy-back-billing-rules

@dunmol has not done anything wrong by just doing nothing to move to the SVT. If the supplier gets it wrong they should not be able to change bills after more than 12 months.

Say they found the problem next Jan though, presuming they could still claw back nearly all of this years difference?

I don’t really mind paying what I owe but surprised the company hasn’t changed me automatically and wonder how many others this effects. 

MWT

pochase said:

Would this not fall under the backbilling rules?
...

@dunmol has not done anything wrong by just doing nothing to move to the SVT. If the supplier gets it wrong they should not be able to change bills after more than 12 months.

They cannot later bill for kWh they hadn't billed for within the last 12 months, but they can correct billing errors for the kWh they have already billed for up to 6 years.

It is also hard to claim there is any 'bill shock' when you are entirely aware that there has been a mistake and are deliberately not saying anything about it...