Has anyone experienced Unauthorized closure of energy and water accounts?

discountcandy888

We received letters from OVO and Affinity Water, giving us a final bills and confirmation of account closure. But the trouble is we didn't request for these closures and are not planning to move out or change suppliers.

I telephoned OVO energy, and they said someone had cancelled our account (online) at the address, but had reopened a new account under their name! Just to clarify we are the landlord, not renting.

OVO said they are investigating, and have asked for proof of property deed ownership. We have this, but this is obviously very concerning.

OVO also said our account (according to their system) is now closed. And we will need to open a new account.

Just wondering if anyone ever had something like this happen?

born_again

If you are landlord, then are tenants aware that you are paying their utility bills?

As it sounds like tenants taking over accounts, which would be the norm for renting.

Asked to be moved to energy,

Boohoo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6684475/has-anyone-experienced-unauthorized-closure-of-energy-and-water-accounts

Somebody must have used the wrong address to get a new supplier to their dwelling.

Did you not get any emails or SMS from the supplier to say a switch was actioned for the power?

Do you have a water meter?

I would also check you credit file with all the firms to see if any untoward is showing.

Ayr_Rage

It would be quite normal for a tenant to take on utility bills in their name unless you have specified otherwise in their rental contract.

Devongardener

if you are the Landlord do you include electricity and water costs in the rent?

Swipe

Does the OP even currently have any tenants? If so, surely they would have been the first port of call to find out if they'd taken on the water and energy before posting here?

Lorian

If it's not the tenants I've had it happen when someone moved in to a new build some hundreds of yards away and the builders had given them my address and postcode.

I had to request them a new postcode ultimately to sort it out. Removing the new properties EPC took the longest to fix.

Good luck if its something similar.

MWT

If not the tenants then it could be a letting agent acting in their own interest by getting switching incentives.

Boohoo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82149248#Comment_82149248

Does anyone get incentives for switching water companies?

I have never heard of it.

Gas and electric yes.

MattMattMattUK

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82149274#Comment_82149274

One cannot switch water companies, so it would just be a change of name on the account. Unless it allows the agent to charge an additional management fee I guess?

Swipe

Let's hope the OP comes back soon and answers our questions