Can an Energy Company reclaim a refund from an ex-customer after 8 months?

Rex_Cymru

After moving house and subsequently parting ways with my energy company in Dec 2022, I soon received a refund of £266.56 that same month that was left on my balance. 

Fast forward 8 months later to August 2023 and they send me a 'final bill' for £68.43. And after waiting an age to speak to someone it apparently turns out my refund was overpaid by £68.43 - so they suddenly want it back.

Just wondered whether this is legal or permissable - having squared off the arrangement last year they then come back asking for more money from me which is the result of their mistake...

Thanks

Keep_pedalling

Yes, they can and they have up to 6 years to do so. If it was the other way round I am sure you would them to pay out.

[Deleted User]

Para 27.18 applies plus the 6 years in which to lodge a claim.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Shouldn't the final bill be sent within 6 weeks otherwise the energy company has to pay £30 compensation with another £30 due if the compensation isn't paid in time (10 working days?) ? 

molerat

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head said:

Shouldn't the final bill be sent within 6 weeks otherwise the energy company has to pay £30 compensation with another £30 due if the compensation isn't paid in time (10 working days?) ? 

Yes but the final bill can be corrected at a later date.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

molerat said:

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head said:

Shouldn't the final bill be sent within 6 weeks otherwise the energy company has to pay £30 compensation with another £30 due if the compensation isn't paid in time (10 working days?) ? 

Yes but the final bill can be corrected at a later date.

Thanks molerat. OP used the term 'final bill', how would they determine if they are entitled to the £60 or not? 

la531983

Unless the OP is prepared to post both bills, nobody on here can say if the recent request for nearly 70 quid is ligit. 

Qyburn

molerat said:

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head said:

Shouldn't the final bill be sent within 6 weeks otherwise the energy company has to pay £30 compensation with another £30 due if the compensation isn't paid in time (10 working days?) ? 

Yes but the final bill can be corrected at a later date.

Meaning the supplier can send any old rubbish without regard to accuracy, so long as they do so with six weeks.

[Deleted User]

Qyburn said:

molerat said:

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head said:

Shouldn't the final bill be sent within 6 weeks otherwise the energy company has to pay £30 compensation with another £30 due if the compensation isn't paid in time (10 working days?) ? 

Yes but the final bill can be corrected at a later date.

Meaning the supplier can send any old rubbish without regard to accuracy, so long as they do so with six weeks.

Yes, it is an obligation drafted by a 5 year old.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

If you are still reading OP, follow the energy company's complaint's procedure and politely ask them why they didn't issue a final bill within 60 days, why they didn't pay the £30 compensation within 10 workings and as a result when will the full £60 compensation (original £30 + the £30 for not paying the original) be paid. 

If they agree the compensation is due this pretty much covers the bill, you could be cheeky and ask them to waive the remaining £8.43 as goodwill. 

If they don't agree you'd either have to accept their explanation and pay the bill or not accept their explanation and after 56 days of making the complaint raise the matter to the ombudsman.   

la531983

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head said:

If you are still reading OP, follow the energy company's complaint's procedure and politely ask them why they didn't issue a final bill within 60 days

Given they issued a refund, surely something must have been produced in December 2022?