Help! Energy Bill - backdated

Happyfish

Hi there, I run a very small business and recently got sent a back dated energy bill from my supplier that was dated 29th October 2021 to 30th March 2023 for £763. I had no idea that this bill existed as I pay by direct debit. My energy supplier claims that they sent me an email on 30th March 2022 with the invoice. However, we had issues with our email systems and lost everything before June 2022, so we cannot trace this email. Our energy supplier has sent me a screen shot that says that an email was sent to me on 30th March, but because of our email trouble, there is no way for me to verify this. My supplier never sent any other emails with regards to this outstanding amount apart from the one they claim to have sent on 30th March 2022 but they have threatened me with debt collectors. The first I heard about this invoice was when they called me last month (september). My question is, is there anything that I can do about this? I spoke with them about the backbilling rule, but they say this does not apply in this case as they have proof that they sent me an email on 30th March 2022 although I have no proof at my end of the email.
Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated! £763 is a huge amount, I don't know how I will afford it.

Happyfish

Sorry, I meant the energy bill was from 29th October to 30th March 2022 not 2023!

MeteredOut

Is this a business account or a personal account?
As a business, you do not have the same protection as consumers.

But, in either case, the starting point is you have to pay for the energy you use. As noted,  you might have had some protection for unpaid usage more than 12 months prior to a valid bill, but, as the supplier has evidence the email was sent, and you cannot prove you did not, I think you'd struggle with that.

If you're a consumer, raise a complaint and take it to the Ombudsman if they don't offer a settlement, though I'd not bet on the Ombudsman finding in your favour either, once the supplier provides them with the proof of the email in March 2022.

Your best bet is to work with them on a repayment plan.

Happyfish

Thank you MeteredOut. It really was in disbelief when they rang me up last month, I thought it was impossible for us to have an unpaid bill when we pay by direct debit. I still don't understand how it could have happened. I have contacted them to ask about setting up a repayment plan.

cannugec5

As you pay by DD can you look back at the bank statements for that period and verify that they were paid? 

Was the time period of any particular note - as in, perhaps a change of energy supplier, change of bank or moved premises? 

I agree it sounds odd to have an unpaid bill when paying by DD as I would have expected them to adjust the DD to account for any outstanding amount. 

Have you now seen the invoice and clarified that it has the right meter serial number etc.? 

MeteredOut

Happyfish said:

Thank you MeteredOut. It really was in disbelief when they rang me up last month, I thought it was impossible for us to have an unpaid bill when we pay by direct debit. I still don't understand how it could have happened. I have contacted them to ask about setting up a repayment plan.

Have you also checked the bill to ensure you have used the energy they claim?