Question regarding communal electrcity supply to a block of flats

danno531

Hi everyone,

Here’s a quick summary of my situation:

I own a flat in a small block of 6 flats, which is part of a larger modern estate with 250 properties. Our block went through the Right to Manage (RTM) process in 2013 and successfully moved away from the original managing agent, Firstport.

However, while reviewing our annual accounts this week, I discovered we’ve been charged an exorbitant amount for 12 months of electricity. Upon investigating, it turns out that the electrical supply for the entire estate appears to run through a single meter located in our building. This cost should be shared among all 250 properties, with our block paying only a percentage of the total. Instead, it seems we’ve been footing the full bill.

I’ve raised this issue with Firstport and had an electrical engineer confirm the setup. Now, I’m looking for advice on how to claim reimbursement for these overpayments, ideally going as far back as possible.

To clarify, Firstport invoices us for communal electricity, and as an RTM, we’ve been paying the bill.

Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, and happy holidays!

Largs

What has Firstport said when you raised it with them? 

MattMattMattUK

Largs said:

What has Firstport said when you raised it with them? 

If my experience of FirstPort is anything to go by the OP will be waiting many months for a reply if they ever get one. 

danno531

Nothing as yet - they don't have a leg to stand on though. If they don't come back to me I have keys I might just turn everything off.

GingerTim

danno531 said:

Nothing as yet - they don't have a leg to stand on though. If they don't come back to me I have keys I might just turn everything off.

Don't do that - or you'll have a lot more to worry about legally than being overcharged.

EssexHebridean

Make sure that the email address you are using for FirstPort is definite current correct and relevant one - if I’m remembering correctly they have a short while ago rationalised email addresses so ones that worked a few months ago may need updating now. 

Largs

danno531 said:

Nothing as yet - they don't have a leg to stand on though. If they don't come back to me I have keys I might just turn everything off.

The Property Ombudsman might be a good place to ask for help.  It sounds a bit of a nighmare.

https://www.tpos.co.uk/consumers/how-to-make-a-complaint

35har1old

danno531 said:

Nothing as yet - they don't have a leg to stand on though. If they don't come back to me I have keys I might just turn everything off.

Is a electric meter capable of taking 250 properties??

Ectophile

35har1old said:

danno531 said:

Nothing as yet - they don't have a leg to stand on though. If they don't come back to me I have keys I might just turn everything off.

Is a electric meter capable of taking 250 properties??

I am assuming it's the landlord's supply, for lighting and such, rather than the supply to all 250 tenants.  But the OP hasn't actually said.

But maybe it's some big commercial supply with a main meter, and all the tenants are sub-metered.

lilac_dawn

Largs said:

danno531 said:

Nothing as yet - they don't have a leg to stand on though. If they don't come back to me I have keys I might just turn everything off.

The Property Ombudsman might be a good place to ask for help.  It sounds a bit of a nighmare.

https://www.tpos.co.uk/consumers/how-to-make-a-complaint

I'd not bother with TPO or PRS, depending which body First Port belongs to. They are funded by their members so will always act in their best interests and just completely waste your time. Best to get legal advice and go straight to making a claim in court.