Switching Final bill query

joanne0620

Hi

My husband researched and switched energy supplier (EDF) in February this year. We have just received our final Gas Bill, after the switch has taken place saying we owe £527.

The plot thickens, we received a credit from EDF for our gas supply account in October 07 for £300, the EDF rep confirmed the account was in credit and that our usage meant that our monthly DD would be sufficient. Having queried the amount with EDF they are insistant that the amount is correct, they have however due to being misadvised they will take 25% of the bill leaving me with £391 still to pay.

If I wouldn't have taken the credit, the account would have been fine, and I would have been happy to find the £140ish to close the account. I have despite being advised by EDF that I can spread the payments over 12 months which I do not want to do as the saving by moving to a new provider has been wiped out ! I have been forced to return to EDF and run with the old account, cancelling my new agreement with EON.

Can anyone advise if they have had a similar experience, and what they think I can do to resolve this. I believe that although the offer to pay the amount of 12 months is reasonable it it unethical that if I choose not to accept this, I have to return back to them.

Help appreciated.

UtilityMan_3

Sorry, but can you explain "forced" for me?

The best bet is to change supplier, this gives you better leverage for future negotiations. They have not got the threat of disconnection, or forced prepayment meter, and the cost of litigation can give you a better discount.

It is becoming an every day occurence with annual reviews. I believe it is sharp practice as they are fooling people into believing they are cheaper, when in fact all they are doing is pushing you into debt.

Bearing in mind that utility debt can make up your credit score, it's pathetic.

The full years invoices would be a starting point, so you can see where the problem began.