Removal of Energy from Student Package One Week before move in date.

movingtimes

My son is due to move into his second year residential property in Nottingham in one week and today we received the below from the company managing his accommodation washing their hands of managing energy at the property. Doesn't seem to make sense what they are stating as it is obviously a residential property but they are giving some line about receiving the energy by a business energy supplier. This business energy supplier who supposedly won't switch to a domestic tariff for this property but why would they make a mistake like this when the property has been let to students for some time..

Ironically looking at the companies website it states 'Bills Included. Bills are included in all rent prices. No hidden fees.'

Obviously this is all related to the huge hike in energy costs for us all and they've calculated how out of pocket they would be.

We've already signed the contract which included details of how the energy costs will be handled so would like to hear from anyone who has knowledge around this and whether this company can simply wash their hands of this one week prior to my son and his fellow students moving in?

We’re getting in touch to let you know that unfortunately, we are not able to manage your energy at XX XXXXX Road and have removed it from your package with us. 

Your property is supplied by a business energy supplier, who would usually supply energy to business premises. We’ve advised the supplier that your property is domestic and asked them to set up an account on a domestic tariff. 

Unfortunately, the supplier has not allowed us to make these changes, and we’re also unable to move your energy supply to a different provider due to the energy crisis. As we only manage domestic accounts, we have no option but to remove energy from your package. 

We recommend you contact the energy supplier, as you are occupying the property for domestic use, they may be able to set up an account for you on a standard domestic tariff. 

QrizB

It's not all that unusual for managed property to be treated as business premises and be on a business tariff with a business provider, but if the tenants are going to have to manage it themselves they should be treated as domestic and the agency should really make the switch before handing it over.

If you've got a contract, what does it say about contract changes?

How much of a discount are they offering in return for not providing energy?

What sort of property is it, a shared house or a self-contained flat?

macman

You need to quote the wording of the contract in it's specifics about the energy bill process. They can't just rewrite the contract after agreeing it. But we can't see it.
However, it may well be cheaper on a domestic tariff than handled as a business tariff by a third party who add their commission. For starters, they will pay only 5% VAT, not 20%. There is no price cap on business tariffs.