Incidentally, I have just done quick google search, and after all the pages of Opus Energy's own website, Consumer Action Groups forum threads comes next!!! W67

Hi all, I've been away from here for a while, but I can update you on my outcome vs. Opus Energy. Firstly, whilst still fighting Opus Energy, I made sure that I cancelled contract in due time - I emailed the operations director to get them to tell me the date by which I needed to let them know. I then cancelled this by email, asking for confirmation, so that I had a paper trail of back-up, in case they tried to aviod the cancellation. Secondly, I searched on the internet comparison sites for new business tariffs - most of which were a big improvement on my Opus Energy contract. Having chosen my new supplier I made sure I got changed over as swiftly as possible, I did have to pay for about a month on the Opus Energy 'out of contract' tariff - but it was worth it to be away from them. Thirdly, I made doubly sure that my final readings were acknowledged by both Opus Energy and my new supplier. This resulted in Opus Energy needing to refund me over £1000.00 in excess payments! [EDIT] I got stung, lived with it for the duration of the contract, and made sure I got out when I could. I have a sad feeling that others will have to do the same! The Directors I contacted, whilst apologetic towards any grievance I had, did nothing to make amends for the excessive charges. However they did make sure I had all the information I needed to end the contract, so that they themselves were covered!!! The only other advice I could give to those unfortunate enough to be tied to Opus Energy, would be to give Opus Energy regular readings to prevent them from taking too much money for electricity that you haven't used. (I also hope that by writing Opus Energy, that's Opus Energy, enough times, this forum will show up on internet searches for Opus Energy! and others may be warned!!!!!) I wish you all the best for the future of your businesses!

Dear Erectusthem I have since sent an email to the retail operations director for Opus Energy directly (I sent previous emails for his attention but had no acknowledgement of receipt) and as you can imagine, his reply was apologetic but with no substance or offer of help. I have not yet sent the complaint to the ombudsman but I will be doing so - nothing to lose! It was on their website where there is reference to the 'micro-business' and it would seem that some very small businesses, with less than approx. £5000 spend on electricity could be covered in a similar way to a domestic customer. My argument is that their sales agent promised me a 20% saving verbally over the phone, and on that basis I went ahead. My belief is that this constitutes a verbal contract, whose terms they have not upheld. Whether this will go anywhere, who knows, it's been one of those decisions which I've put down to experience, and if I can get any redress all to the good. My main concern was not to get caught out and fixed into another contract. Are you still in contract? or have you managed to get out? W67

I am at the end of my contract and have made sure not to miss the termination deadline. (the sooner we part company the better). My question is: The initial sales contact, verbally, quoted me a 20% saving on my Hotel electric bill and at a tariff fixed for 3 years. If I haven't made that saving are they in breach of contract? Do I have any claim for miss-selling? I have just read something about 'micro businesses' (under 10 employees) and this may give me some protection under consumer rights? Any advice greatfully received. thanks W67