SSE charging me standard tariff business rates for apartment which is 4x residential tariff

EMJ_85

Hi, 

I moved into my apartment 6 months ago and I wasn't aware of my energy tariff and just assumed it was on a standard residential tariff. I had issues changing the name into mine but then I received my quarterly bill and now I realise I'm paying £2 per day standing charge for both power and gas and a ridiculously high unit rate for both all dated back to the start of the year.  4x the current price cap rates. Turns out I'm on a business standard tariff which has no price cap and I can't switch to any standard tariff as no other suppliers are offering them.  The bills that I now owe are extortionate and I won't be able to afford them.  SSE adamant there is nothing I can do and I have to pay up and then move to a fixed contract elsewhere.  Is there anything I can do?

Thanks 

daaave

Go to OFGEM, if I were you.

Seems pretty clear cut. Do you have any idea why it might be on a business tariff? Eg, are you in a flat above a shop? Was the property previously a business?

EMJ_85

They mentioned that a year ago the profile was changed to a residential one so I assume the previous tenants just didn't change supplier.  The apartment block was previously serviced accommodation e.g Airbnb. 

Mstty

This is really just an oversight on your part you should have initiated the change from business to domestic energy tariff when you moved in. 

I can't see a complaint getting you anywhere on what has happened up until now but they should not block you moving to a residential tariff.

GingerTim

Unfortunately you can't just 'go to OFGEM' for issues like this. How long does the contract last? If you compare that with switching to a fixed tariff elsewhere, how much would you save by doing the latter rather than sticking with the business tariff?

Robin9

Have the other 3 flats got the same issue ?

There have been similar problems on this forum but we rarely hear of how it gets resolved.

I believe one suggestion was to send a copy of the Council Tax to the supplier.  

pochase

EMJ_85 said:

They mentioned that a year ago the profile was changed to a residential one so I assume the previous tenants just didn't change supplier.  The apartment block was previously serviced accommodation e.g Airbnb. 

What does changed to residential profile mean?

Has the meter been changed to domestic on national database? Or is it still listed as business supply.

Who are you talking to SSE business or SSE? I believe they have different hotlines.

You should be able to get a domestic supply, but I am not sure if this will be applied in arears. You accepted the contract and did nothing for six month.

Mobtr

Can’t see why SSE can’t change you to a residential tariff as they also supply residential properties, it’s not as if they are a business only company. Contact them again but make sure you speak to someone & don’t just do a live chat as that’s probably overseas. They should just ask for a copy of your Council Tax bill to show property is residential, if no luck, ask them to raise a complaint & to be passed over to a manager. It’s not a big job to change it over & should be done in a few days 

Robin9

Delete - just reread  supplier is SSE -should be bread and butter to them.

Who is your supplier ?  I ask because not all business suppliers have a domestic side and I don't know how easy it would be to get a account set up..

s/c and unit rates are higher but it's the CCL and 20& VAT which ramps the bill up.

nottsphil

Just direct SSE to the planning application for 'change of use' (ie to residential status) on the LA website. 

EMJ_85

Apologies, thought i would post reply here instead of individually.

Current unit rates on my bills are:
Gas 21p kWh Standing Charge 100p
Elec 53p kWh Standing Charge 100p

i do have a feeling they won't do anything.  I didn't sign up to a business contract, this is there business standard tariff, so the business equivalent to residential standard variable.  But obviously no price cap on business rates so effectively can charge whatever they want. 

They did say they don't offer residential rates when i asked them to switch and backdate it, as SSE Business and SSE Residential (OVO?) are different companies.

The profile class was changed not the meter, so it is now showing as a residential meter and this was done in May last year, 6 months before i moved into the property so it is showing as residential.

I see mail for the other apartments in the block and they are all sent from SSE Business so other tenants will be having the same issue.

i agree it is an oversight on my part for not checking my bills but i'd like to think moving into a apartment but i just assumed i would be on residential standard prices.  When i called up to do give my details in January there was no mention that i was on a business tariff and paying far higher rates than residential rates.

Thanks for the current replies and help so far.