Octopus energy bill dispute

QrizB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035341#Comment_82035341

That's probably good enough, but Octopus publish their complaints process here:

https://octopus.energy/unhappy/

MWT

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035385#Comment_82035385

The meter readings at my old address were completely different so I
don't think its a simple case of them copying across the wrong numbers.

That isn't the problem, did you use the process that asks Octopus to manage the move to the new address for you, or did you just sign-up at the new address when you got there?

Dodge1664

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035439#Comment_82035439

Probably just signed up, but I don't recall. I don't see how consumer can be expected to do anything different.

Qyburn

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035341#Comment_82035341

Did Octopus give a complaint reference number? If you're thinking of the Ombudsman then I reckon you could count the eight weeks as starting from your first communication that ought have been seen as a complaint, even if the word "complaint" wasn't actually used.

MWT

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035572#Comment_82035572

I mean this in the kindest way possible, but it would serve you well to learn how things should be done so that you don't get in this sort of mess in the future.

There are guides all over the internet and on this site about how to move energy suppliers when you move house.

If your first bill doesn't match your opening readings ask why, if your subsequent bills don't show the readings you have provided then ask why.

If your meter readings are not changing from month to month, ask why.

You can ask your supplier, you can ask here, but don't just let these things go on for months without asking for help as it is so much harder to fix now what should have been fixed months ago…

Dodge1664

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035649#Comment_82035649

no, no complaint ref number yet. I only emailed the "issueresolution" email address yesterday.

The big question for me is what right the energy supplier has to force to me pay a bill based on estimated readings, rather than the difference between the previous and subsequent supplier readings.

Dodge1664

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035716#Comment_82035716

If I were running an energy company, and someone signed up, I would say ok, we need to complete a handover with the previous supplier. Common sense isn't it?

Dodge1664

Well I'm pleased to say that Octopus have sent me a revised bill which is £480 lower than the previous one. Well worth complaining.

thank you to everyone who helped me sort this out.

I'll never know whether the original bill was a caused by an error or was a deliberate attempt to try it on.

I think I'll go and get drunk now!

QrizB

Well I'm pleased to say that Octopus have sent me a revised bill which is £480 lower than the previous one.

Congratulations! That's quick.

Does the new bill use the correct meter readings?

Regarding your new EDF tariff, is it a single-rate one or are you still paying dual-rate daytime prices all day long?

(EDF typically have fairly good off-peak rates but their daytime ones are relatively high.)