Southern Electric!!!!!!!

NEG689

We have just moved house and have been given a huge final bill! We were set up we a Direct Debit arrangement each month which was according to them covering our bill, we even questioned it three times to make sure and they said it was fine and it didn't need to increase! They even confirmed this on the bill ever time we got one. Some one at EDF our new supplier said if they did this to us under the direct debit law and agreement they would be left to pick up the difference, because the supplier is obliged to notify the customer? Is this true. Can anyone advise!

whatatwit

Were the bills based upon estimated or actual readings?

NEG689

Two estimated and the rest were read, We gave them the final readings.

whatatwit

On the bills where the readings were actual, did they show you to be in credit, or in debt.
Also, was the bill prior to the final one based upon an actual reading?

Personally I would not have thought that the direct debit agreement would help you, but who knows,
If you asked them 3 times if the monthly payment was enough, then did you feel that it was too low?

I understand that the direct debits are calculated based upon an annual usage, so, depending upon when your payments were last reviewed, you may be closing your account and being billed for the highest using months and if you had stayed with them, your payments over the rest of the year would have balanced it out.

lil_me

I've had several final bills in the last few years, every one has had at least £150 owing. I have had to pay each one. The last one was NPower, due £287 and the next one I am expecting about £300 left to pay, that is after paying £15 a month more than they suggested because you can insist on paying more or alternatively make additional payments. I used it so of course I have to pay for it.

Every bill would show a debit or credit balance, if it's a debit balance then you can choose to pay extra to cover it or not.

I think a lot make it so you always owe them to get you to stay with them, I have had calls from the 'please don't switch team' who have stated that 'do you know you owe us £xxx which will have to be cleared within a month, if you stay we could spread that payment' grrr!

NEG689

Thanks for that guys, will continue the good fight!!

Calvin_2k

The Direct Debit guarantee wont help you in this case.

Your energy supplier should write and let you know if they need to increase/ decrease your monthly direct debit, however they are not obliged to.

Ultimately its down to the customer to check their bills, and ensure a balance isn't building up and if it is, contact theie energy supplier to increase the payments.

Terrylw1

Hi,

The direct debit guarantee has nothing to do with that. It's just a potential error in judging your billing.

Is the final reading the reason for the high bill i.e. a large jump?

If so, did you take a reading that shows on the bill?

Or have the estimated it too high, in which case ask them to check it.