Calor Gas LPG - problems switching to Flogas

DailyClicker

Hi,

I just wanted to ask if anyone has any experience in the LPG switching process / CMA regulations?

I notified Calor Gas in December 2021 of my intention to switch to Flogas. Unfortunately, Calor Gas was unable to supply the required 10 Year Safety certificate for the underground LPG tank as they had not performed it when it was due. They sent engineers to check the tank in January 2022, who stated that it would need replacing due to some corrosion. 

The tank replacement was scheduled for March 2022, but it did not go ahead as they were unable to operate the digger on a sloped driveway. They decided to repair the tank instead and issued a 10 Year Safety certificate in May 2022.

Flogas have now requested that Calor Gas supply three consecutive Cathodic Protection Certificates in order for the switch to go ahead - but Calor Gas are stating that they do not have these certificates.

Does anyone know where I stand with this as it's been ongoing for 6 months? Flogas have stated that they are unable to hold the agreed rate for much longer. I have tried to escalate formally within Calor Gas but their complaints team does not respond to letters or emails.

Thanks,

Sorting_Hat

Interestingly the cathodic history  of the tank is not included as a factor in pricing the tank when it is switched, though
of course no-one can do retrospective certificates anymore than a garage can do retrospective MOT's.

jamesg123

Hi I tried switching to Flogas - it’s almost like they don’t want new business - either that or other suppliers are not keeping up with mandatory safety checks and getting away with it. Either way it damages competition and regulators need to enforce with fines to suppliers.. 

Mister_G

jamesg123 said:

Hi I tried switching to Flogas - it’s almost like they don’t want new business - either that or other suppliers are not keeping up with mandatory safety checks and getting away with it. Either way it damages competition and regulators need to enforce with fines to suppliers.. 

That's the problem - there is no regulator!

billybigbrains

It's an old thread I know, but did your situation ever get resolved? 
I'm currently out of contract with Calor, having started a transfer to Flogas a couple of months ago. Our bulk tank should have had two cathodic protection certificates by now, but Calor have only provided one to Flogas, who are (rightly) saying that's not enough.
Calor do not reply to any of my communications.
I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. All help gratefully received.
The UK LPG market seems to be in a pretty shocking state! 

GLB1957

I have found if you email rlopes@calor.co.uk either directly or as a copy when emailing customer services perhaps you do get a more rapid response. I believe this is the chief executive/managing director.

DailyClicker

billybigbrains said:

It's an old thread I know, but did your situation ever get resolved? 
I'm currently out of contract with Calor, having started a transfer to Flogas a couple of months ago. Our bulk tank should have had two cathodic protection certificates by now, but Calor have only provided one to Flogas, who are (rightly) saying that's not enough.
Calor do not reply to any of my communications.
I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. All help gratefully received.
The UK LPG market seems to be in a pretty shocking state! 

Flogas would not accept the transfer, the best team to speak to would be the Tank Transfer team as they ended up matching the price agreed with Flogas due to the issues faced. Like you mentioned, I received no response from Customer Services or Complaints despite sending a formal Letter Before Action