Switch2 Astronomical moving out Bill

michaelc54321

Hi,

We recently moved out of accommodation in London for which Switch2 was one of the energy providers. We had a monthly direct debit of £36 and while we were aware of rising energy costs recently found out that due to the type of heating system (communal energy system) the energy price cap did not apply to us. We are now stuck with a 4k bill from switch2 which we have to make a payment plan to pay off. 

There is a guardian article which seems to echo exactly the situation we are currently in: if you search “guardian switch2 energy” it is the first thing that comes up and is called: 

Energy bills: flat dwellers face massive rise despite price cap

Sorry can’t post the link as new to the forum.

I basically want to know if there is anything we can do about this eg is there a way that we can dispute the size of the bill past the energy price cap or if we just have to pay it off. Any help really appreciated. 

Michael 

la531983

The price cap doesnt apply to schemes like this, so you cant be using that as a get out. 

QrizB

Welcome to the forum.

michaelc54321 said:

We recently moved out of accommodation in London for which Switch2 was one of the energy providers. We had a monthly direct debit of £36 and while we were aware of rising energy costs recently found out that due to the type of heating system (communal energy system) the energy price cap did not apply to us. We are now stuck with a 4k bill from switch2 which we have to make a payment plan to pay off.

As mentioned in the previous reply, the price cap does not apply to district heating schemes and their ilk.

michaelc54321 said:

I basically want to know if there is anything we can do about this eg is there a way that we can dispute the size of the bill past the energy price cap or if we just have to pay it off. Any help really appreciated.

Does the bill include meter readings and do the dates of those readings cove the duration of your tenancy? Can you provide details?

It's likely to be correct, but you should make sure that you're not being charged for energy used before your tenency commences, or after it ended.

danco

As stated by others, the price cap does not apply. However, you should have received bills showing the price per kWh for your energy.. And the government does have an Energy Bill Relief Scheme and Energy Bill Discount Scheme which are likely to apply to your Switch2 system. Switch2 are required to send you details of what discounts have been provided and you  have remedies if they do not.

You say Switch2 was ONE of the energy providers. What energy did they provide, and what other energy did you receive? If it is a communal system, have you contacted any of the other tenants?

I take it you are correct in saying Switch2 are an energy provider for you. I ask because in my case they are metering and billing agents, acting on behalf of the freeholders. And There are so many problems with our system, at least some of which are due to Switch2, that our freeholders are willing for us not to pay the bills until the many issues have been cleared up.