bACK BILLING

garden25

I am trying to reclaim a refund from my late mums energy account - she paid a bill for energy that was used in 2020 (rec bill in 2022).   The only evidence i have is mums will that i am the executor of her estate (she died last year).   But I have been advised not to send the will by someone who is helping me with this.  Energy supplier is asking for evidence and the will is the only evidence i have.  POA is nul and void (cancelled)  

Olinda99

Will the accept a certified copy of the Wil ?

p00hsticks

Don't send the original will.

Will they not accept a scan, photo or photocopy, or at worst a certified copy that I  think a solicitor will do for you for a small charge ? If you do make a copy, whatever you do do not remove any paperclips, staples or clasps as this could casue problems if / when you apply for probate later on. 

Robin9

Are you disputing the 2020 bill or more recent ones ?

Have you a copy of the Death Cert ?  and have you a meter reading taken around the time of her death

littleboo

I assume the issue is that the 2020 usage was first billed in 2022, they can't do that and should refund if it was paid.

garden25

yes it was first billed in 2022 for energy that was used in 2020.   My late mother paid it.  Having recently listened to moneybox on radio 4 discussed in great length - i thought it would be straight forward to reclaim the bill that mum paid - but of cse POA is now nul and void (mum died last year) and the only evidence i've got that i am her executor is the will. But I've been told not send this by someone who is helping me with this.     Probate was not required.  and will has all been sorted as very straightforward.  Energy company are insisting i send evidence i am her next of kin and executor before they will talk to me about this.    Dont know if to go straight to the en ombudsman?

MWT

littleboo said:

I assume the issue is that the 2020 usage was first billed in 2022, they can't do that and should refund if it was paid.

That is not strictly true.

If payments were being made at the time by Direct Debit or if there was a balance on the account for any other reason then the supplier is allowed to use those funds to cover the previously un-billed charges.

Robin9

The POA is indeed void now but was it active in 2022 ?

Robin9

There has been a lot of discussion recently re Back Billing. This looks at first glance like it qualifies.

Go back to the supplier and quote Back Billing rules.


If they hesitate go straight to OFGEM -  don't bother about 8 weeks rule. It's a topic right at the top of OFGEM's list at the moment.

Gerry1

It may well be a topic right at the top of OFGEM's list at the moment, but it's the Ombudsman that the OP would need to contact.

Robin9

You are quite right @Gerry1

I've a case going through the Ombudsman at the moment -  impressed with their service which prompted a rapid offer from my supplier  "as a quick resolution".