changing suppliers

stockylad

Has anyone has had the same problem as me ? I left my supplier for dual fuel a couple of years back.I was told that I had to clear £400 of debt accumulated over the years.Basically my monthly payments were not covering my useage. So to gain a saving (if I remember) £150 a year I had to pay £ 400. I then decided to go back to my original supplier who reduced my monthly payments so I think I am winning.I also made a 1 off payment to reduce the debt,although not all of it.

I now find that the payment has not been close on covering my useage and once again if I wanted to change suppliers I would have to pay up over £400.

Seems like a nice little earner to me. Get your customers up to their eyes in debt make it unilkely that they will change suppliers to gain a relatively small advantage.

Anyone had the same problem ?

Cardew

Why is it a nice little earner for the Utility company?

You are not paying for what you use and getting , in effect, an interest free loan of £400. So the company lose, and you gain.

You have a responsibility to check your bills and, if based on an estimated meter reading, inform them and get an amended bill. Or appreciate you have been undercharged and save the difference for the inevitable payback time.

DGJsaver

Cardew wrote: »

Why is it a nice little earner for the Utility company?

You are not paying for what you use and getting , in effect, an interest free loan of £400. So the company lose, and you gain.

You have a responsibility to check your bills and, if based on an estimated meter reading, inform them and get an amended bill. Or appreciate you have been undercharged and save the difference for the inevitable payback time.

Harsh , but fair

i have learnt the hard way about not checking my usage , meter readings etc , its only now im getting a grip on these things and im over 30...!

stockylad

I recognise that it is my responsibility to check the meter readings.However my point is that if they know my historical useage why do they give me a monthly payment that is lower. Because by the time the first bill arrives I am already in debt.

I think it can be seen as a tool to make it difficult for consumers to change suppliers

DGJsaver

stockylad wrote: »

I recognise that it is my responsibility to check the meter readings.However my point is that if they know my historical useage why do they give me a monthly payment that is lower. Because by the time the first bill arrives I am already in debt.

I think it can be seen as a tool to make it difficult for consumers to change suppliers

I agree in a way mate , we were paying £35 p/m leccy for ages , and yes , i didnt check my bills that often and then one direct debit was £94 a months they wanted for 8 months to clear the debt ! i did think it was a bit harsh not to let me know sooner !