New House / Energy Supply issue

mtuggs

Hello,
I wonder if anyone has any experience of of this and how to resolve it. 

I've just taken ownership of a new house and I am trying to move my Eon account across to the new property. Electricity has transferred but I have had the following message regarding the Gas supply. The previous home owner used OVO as their supplier and my previous supply in the old property was EON (a simple switch, so I thought). 
________
Message:
Gas
Next Flex
Your previous supplier has objected to your switch.
This could be for a number of reasons, such as debt on your account.
We can’t discuss your personal details with your previous supplier, so you’ll need to get in contact with them. 
The Citizens Advice Bureau has great advice on dealing with energy companies.
________ here's a screen shot (no personal info included)



I am in credit with my current EON on both Gas and Elec. 

My problem is EON are saying I need to contact OVO and OVO are wanting to set me up with an account so they can tell me how much 'I OWE'. I've explained I'm only responsible from the moving in date and it's their responsibility to chase any debt from the previous owner. 
I'm back and for between the two and my next step will be to engage my solicitor but I wonder if there is anything that can be done before I trigger that. 

Thank you in advance for any time, advice or help?  

molerat

You need to register with Ovo first, give them move in dates and meter readings, then switch away.  That is the way it works.  If they do not know there is a new owner / tenant and there is a debt they will block the switch.  Ovo are the incumbent supplier and are legally entitled to supply the property, you need to follow the procedures.  Engaging a solicitor will be pointless, it will cost you money to be told the energy company are correct (or maybe they will not have a clue, these sort of things are usually outside their remit unless they have knowledge of the relevant the energy acts), you will get the information for free here

ArbitraryRandom

Second vote for you need to register as a new customer with ovo - that will set you up an account with £0 debt.

https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/setting-up-your-gas-and-electricity-in-your-new-home

When that's set up fully, you can transfer to whomever you wish  (you will owe ovo for any use/standing charge from the day you took over the property to when you transfer). If there's an issue with the old occupents' account, you might need to provide proof of when you moved in. 

Because you mention it, here's citizen advice saying the same thing: 

After you move
You should contact the current supplier at your new home to tell them you’ve moved in. You’ll automatically be put onto a ‘deemed contract’ with your supplier - this will be for their ‘default’ or ‘standard variable’ tariff. Check who your supplier is if you’re not sure.
Read your meters on the day you move in and give the readings to the current supplier. This will help them give you an accurate first bill. Check how to read your meters if you’re not sure.

If you want to switch supplier or tariff, you’ll need to wait until the day you become responsible for the property. Switching won’t happen straight away so you’ll have to pay at least one bill with the current supplier. 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/moving-home-your-energy-supply/moving-home-dealing-with-your-energy-supply/

mtuggs

Thanks both! Appreciate your time replying.