Energy Ombudsman - any experiences?

ChasingtheWelshdream

I wondered if anyone has any experiences (good or bad) of taking a business energy dispute to the ombudsman? I am trying to do this, but am struggling to get a deadlock letter so I can proceed.

I did speak with the ombudsman, who seemed very helpful on the phone, but then simply referred me to Citizens Advice to answer some specific questions, which I was surprised about

There is a bit of a saga with my energy billing that I won't go into now as I am trying to keep my blood pressure at bay. But having simply been given the CAB phone number, I am left wondering how effective the Ombudsman are in practice, and if I will simply be expending energy for little gain?

Isthisforreal99

Without knowing the detail of what 'specific questions' you were referred to CAB about and whether or not they are within the Energy Ombudsmans remit is impossible to say. They can only deal with what is in their remit.

If you don't feel like giving further detail at present that's understandable but nobody can give a view with no information and not sure how other people's experience will help you.

QrizB

Unless the OP has been particularly unfortunate, it's probably the same "erroneous transfer" problem that they've posted about on the Energy board:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6673252/national-energy-database-erroneous-transfers-any-experts-here

ChasingtheWelshdream

Yes sorry, it is all rather a mess and is that same issue.

I asked about personal experiences as to whether the Ombudsman are as helpful as they appear to be. Or the fact that these are business matters, and without the same level of consumer rights means I may not be so fortunate.

As soon as I can raise my dispute with them I will, I am just trying to get a feel for others experiences to get an inkling as to what I can expect.

martindow

I've seen suggestions on other boards here of what to do when you require a deadlock letter, but there is no response. I think this was on the travel forum regarding going to arbitration once you are in deadlock in a dispute with an airline.

This has been to write that you appear to be in deadlock, so if you don't hear to the contrary within 14 days you will assume this to be the case and will approach the ombudsman to resolve the problem. I've no idea if an ombudsman would accept the case on this basis.

QrizB

I've seen suggestions on other boards here of what to do when you require a deadlock letter, but there is no response.

With the Energy Ombudsman, once eight weeks have passed from the date of your complaint you can refer it to the Ombudsman without a deadlock letter.

PHK

It’s worthwhile remembering that ombudsmen are a form of ADR, they have to be neutral so they won’t offer either side in the dispute anything but the most basic advice.