Hi Wonkeydonkey I am most grateful for your advice. I shall learn what PM is and will use it right away for names of lawyers. Thank you so much

I have one other question, since npower has not abide by SAR rules to give me all the papers, can I SAR the debt Collector agents? As you know, part of the case relates to their actions which are either missing from papers sent by npower or are fabricated. CAN I DO THAT? I anxiously look to hear from someone. I am currently at risk of two further actions: npower's newly fabricated debt (no bill just in their most recent letter as above) and National Grid taking court action for yet another ambush. Thank you.

I do not qualify for legal aid. My husband and I both have income- not a lot but still enough to exclude us from legal aid.

Yes, he would have to share the proceedings on monthly basis. However, he is planning to prolong the period before he retires. Meanwhile he engages in transactions within the pot by buying and selling properties and shares. Furthermore, he has already drawn out a good amount tax free cash thus reducing his pension value. he can do that on annual basis. So at the end of the day, he can freely and drastically reduce the value of remaining pot until he retires. It seems that once he retires, I shall then be entitled to a share of whatever is left. I can not force him to retire now to get a fair share of "our" life savings and achievement, can I?

Thank you so much for your advice you beautiful people. I looked at the site you suggested however they do not answer my question. At this point I have not let him know that I am contemplating divorce because I am concerned that the moment he hears about it, he would sell those assets. Once divorce proceedings commence, he could justify his action as "I am businessman, I buy and sell properties all the time"; he can easily justify that hence my search to find some way to freeze those possibly on the day divorce applications is made. As you suggested, I need a lawyer. I wonder if anyone could recommend one here, or is it against rules of this forum. The two lawyers I visited recently wanted large deposits before instructing me as what information I need to provide them!

Hello you kind people. Since I have not heard from anyone, I wonder if I could ask for recommendation of a lawyer who could help me. Is it against rules of this forum or can anyone help me based on their own past or current experience? I live in London. Thanks

I am not sure if I should reply to myself here or to specific kind people who are helping me and given advice; can you please advise. Well, it has been a while since I wrote last. I have written 5 letters to the Ombudsman, asking them to clarify their position. My request is that: it was an ongoing matter for which I had to keep sending new documents as they were exchanged. I had to keep them informed of on going actions taken by npower. Thus just because they have written their views twice, it should not be treated as final views. I need them to reconsider, read those documents which they had not, and continue with my case. It is not resolved. The Ombudsman refuses to reply - what shall I do? Regarding SAR from npower, I wrote to them pointing out that documents were incorrect, tampered with (I have the actual documents and can say that confidently). Many documents are missing from those sent. In addition they have only sent papers for 2011- the year they made their unjustified claims. I started my accounts with them from 2006, and I specifically asked them to send all documents starting with 2006. It is important to have all papers because npower has changed my accounts and terms and conditions without notifying me. Another example is they had received meter readings. To date, they have denied having any. I can also see evidence of them being aware of those within SAR papers. Also in several fabricated accounts and figures since 2011, they have included figures starting from 2006. A majority of evidence relates to years 2006 to 2001 and to date. It is almost funny that npower, in their reply, bluntly say they do not have those papers. That means they only hold papers for 3 years!!! Can you kind people please advise me. What can I do about that. In their reply, despite having received all moneys they asked, they now claim I owe them a further £800.00 denying the extortions made already. Currently, I send them monthly pictures of meters and pay every bill by cheque as well is maintaining the agreed standing order of £150/month (I quote npower "agreed until the matter is resolved". What should I do? The next step they have taken is to ask National Grid to make yet another attempt to change my electricity meter. As you advised before, I have written to both explaining that both accounts are still in dispute thus we need to wait. Yet npower has now come back threatening me with actions through Nat Grid. In previous years they instigated the change/inspection from time to time by asking Nat Grid. On occasions when meter had been inspected, npower would take responsibility to inform Nat Grid accordingly. I have copies of correspondence! However they are now saying that it has nothing to do with them, yet have given me a warning that Nat Grid will be taking formal action against me immediately!!! This company is continuing to attack me from every possible angle, and they don't give up. However, I can not give up either. They have unjustly extorted huge amount of money. They have distorted my financial credit records as well logged a court judgement against me. As the result, I can not even buy a mobile telephone contract under my own credits, I can not borrow....nothing. If I do not pursue this case to clear my name, I shall remain a virtually dead person for the rest of my life. I am indebted to you kind people, any advice or thoughts would be of value to me.....PLESE TALK TO ME NOW.....

yes, quite right. However he has reached the age and this year he was allowed to draw a percentage tax free cash. He can do that on annual basis. The rest of assets remain in the pot. And he can sell or buy shares, properties etc within the pot. I am sure it is perfectly legal. I guess he would pay full tax on transactions within the pot. As far as it concerns me, it is a company scheme and it keeps all his assets at his disposal and away from me. What could I do? I would still not be able to stop him had I known about it before he set it up. I would not be able to afford even an initial consultation with a lawyer and a pension expert. What a pity!

Hello you kind people. I believe my long standing case fighting an energy company has, to some extent, contributed to my anticipated divorce. After 42 years of marriage, I am considering divorce. Indeed as you always advise, there are many financial factors to consider. Nevertheless, in the absence of money, I need to make some preparations at this stage before letting him know of my action. My husband has a private investment pension pot. It is set up in connection to his company and he shares the scheme with one other director partner. I am sorry to describe it so naively but I really have no idea of the scheme name. I know that he has included shares, a number of properties and perhaps other assets in the pot. I believe he is entitled and benefits from annual cash withdrawal up to a percentage. He can add to the pot by buying and selling those, new properties and shares. This pot does not bare any connection to me. However my concern is that I need to know how I can protect my share of interest in the pot in the case of divorce. He has kept all our assets within this pot and I guess immune from SHARING THEM WITH ME! Once he finds out about my divorce action, he can easily empty out the pot in no time. What is the name of this scheme? And can I put a freeze of some sort over his assets and at what stage? Do I have a chance or is it a lost cause? I hope I can get some opinions from you kind people here; believe me, I know I should go to a lawyer! many thanks and as always I am grateful for your support.

Hi there again. Following my above note, i would like to make an additional point. Reading SAR papers a little more, I see that Richburns reported that on 25th July 2013 (day of ambush), I quote [on our visit to property, 'due to unforeseen circumstances', we did not do anything.. just left..]. There are no mention of the long saga, tress passing and £3000.00 they got from me. Indeed amongst papers there are documents which they quote a different figure as received from me - how they got this money, they do not mention.....! Please keep your thoughts and advice coming and I shall write more as I read on. There certainly are very serious issues regarding debt collectors' activities. Should I open an additional thread solely for dealing with debt collectors or can I be seen by all those who could give specific advice? - one more question to those asked already.... I can not wait to hear from you PLEASE

I do agree and wholeheartedly. If you get time, read my story. It's about npower and the Ombudsman. I do not know which I am more crossed with. The Ombudsman have wasted a year of my time, during which npower has inflicted every harm in the book with knowledge of the Ombudsman. I kept them fully up to date.

Since my last entry, I could not answer your questions or ask for advice because I found myself exhausted and depressed. It is very hard to describe my story anew as you have asked. Before I list my story again, at least I can answer your immediate questions. - Npower waved a piece of paper in the air, they and the Police would not let me read it. They both said " if we bring it close you might tear it up"! The Police said they were there to repossess my belongings at home and my car. And if I objected, they would arrest me for "breach of peace". I was not violent. I was showing them letters from npower (lack of bills, agreed £150.00 standing orders and so forth). They all trespassed into my property (driveway where one meter is located). They did not say they were there to just replace meters. They said they were going to disconnect my supplies as well. They extorted £3000.00 (made up debt for current usage) which I paid through my credit card, and left. It is interesting that SAR papers show they stated "no vulnerability and not a pensioner". Whereas I am 61 years old and I was seriously ill (re. my medical certificate and my appearance in evidence - I have pictures)! - Npower have not yet (since Oct 2011) produced bills upon the right details of charges and my payments. That has been the main problem. From the outset, I asked for the information, and I myself produced tables for payments made and meter readings, not only to them, but also to the Ombudsman. This is one of the many areas of breach of the Code and Law. After we discussed SAR here, I made one last attempt, but made a mistake by highlighting their breach of Codes and ICO investigation. Ideally, I should have sued them on this point. Unfortunately, after 2.5 years, npower took it 'semi-seriously' and send my SAR last week. It is incomplete! (2): The Ombudsman's reviews: I do not believe they are totally impartial or have they investigated my case properly. The case has large volume of papers, however I provided them tables to ease their work. I sent an Arch Lever file containing papers from opening accounts, details of all contracts and communications to date. The folder was to be used as support to 4 tables I produced showing them the flow of actions on every issue. They had my case for ONE YEAR, during which, I kept them up to date with copies of documents exchanged. Npower continued their harassments whilst they fabricated NEW debts. They ignored my regular meter readings and included disputed debt amounts in current usage balances. The Ombudsman gave an initial review in August 2013. In reply, I send them additional evidence to clarify areas overlooked. The ambush of July 2013 by debt collectors is one example when, to seek help, I telephoned them before and while they were in my home. They repeated npower's mis-representations and refused to help, "you are in debt for current usage, your fault". Unfortunately, their review of March 2104 was marked 'final'. That meant the Ombudsman, by ignoring the ongoing activities, had taken away my right to appeal. On receipt of their review, I replied to urge them to read documents they had. They have refused twice to acknowledge receipt of my letters and emails. In my reply I highlighted 4 examples of clear breach of code of conduct and unlawful behaviour both by npower and debt collectors. Highlighted points were as the following: - npower has refused to give detailed information requested since Oct 2011 -- Beach of ICO and SAR - npower changed number of contracts without informing me - npower cancelled my accounts from 2006-2011 due to mistakes they had made (4 digit meter readings). They became aware of their mistakes in Feb 2011. In Oct 2011, they made demands for £12k based on fabricated amounts going back to 2006. They continued their demands with direct and indirect harassments for more than ONE year before "I" made them apply Back billing for ONE year. Until then, they had concealed the option. - npower failed to produce correct bill once they became aware of their mistakes. They continued fabricating new figures, hence have not produced accurate bill (with details of calculations) to this date! What they have given me is yet more fabrication without correct and proper explanation as how they arrived at such and how (if) they applied my past payments to their calculations. - Once both accounts were in dispute, with or without the Ombudsman, they continued their intense harassment; one of which was the ambush by Richburns and suspected Warrant and so forth. As the result, they extorted more moneys. - To reduce pressure and harassment, in Oct 2012, I agreed to pay a lump sum of £900.00 and set up a Standing Order for £150.00 from Nov 2012. Npower had proposed the amounts and confirmed it as 'towards current usage until dispute was resolved". However, they excluded all payments from new calculations. This was so whether related to disputed figures or current usage. They thus built up additional new debts for current usage. And these have been the mis-representations they or their debt collectors have made to the court and the Ombudsman. - On July 2013, npower had not issued bills for current usage for many months as they admitted in writing. However, the warrant they took out was towards unjustified and unspecified amounts which I did not know where they came from. The first instance I came across the figures were in debt collectors warrant notice. The Ombudsman have had all details and evidence of the above. Why did they choose to ignore them? Their review is lengthy and complicated to upload, but I can simply say that they have brushed every point aside. The most ridiculous phrase in their verdict is [ if you accept our review, we will ask npower to provide you with details of charges and payments]!!!! impartial, controversial! Is it true that the Ombudsman's organisational body is formed of a mix of appointed executives. The organisation is set up by the few large Energy suppliers themselves? Their verdict gives rise to question their impartiality or due diligence expected towards customer's complaints. To date, I have paid a total of £20,000.00 as the result of their demands (based on so called 'one year back billing') and pressure, threats and harassments. Yet the Ombudsman states that 'although npower has been careless at some points, they have not breached any rules nor have they broken the law! Regarding results of SAR: At a glance, I see a number of issues with papers sent: (1) - I do not know if I can still complain for the delay (my requests from Oct 2011 to March 2014) (2) - SAR results are difficult to understand. (3) - I see areas of importance missing. I give you some examples: (a) - Missing details of all of their calculations from date of demand to date. (b) - Missing Communications with 5 debt collectors © - Missing details of statements made to the Ombudsman- mis-representations (d) - Missing details of changing my accounts a number of times from 2006, hence their disregard for agreed DDs. They took whatever amounts as and when they liked. They also apportioned moneys received at liberty to gas and electricity accounts thus putting both accounts in debt. There are no documents on this issue. (e) - A large number of document bodies missing marked as 'text not available' (f) - Where it relates to debt collectors and suspected warrants, information sent is distorted. Very limited mention of one debt collector, Secus' is given. All visits and every means of harassment by them and others are omitted. (g) - Further info relates to debt collectors, Richburns, who supposedly took a warrant. A large amount of info are missing, particularly specific areas that I have tried hard to investigate. As you know, there are no documents I could obtain from Hendon Magistrates Court regarding such claims. There are no infos re. Applications made to Magistrates, any Claim Numbers filed at the court and so forth. I also note that a number of supposedly written communications by Richburns and npower to me are fabricated - I never received those made up letters and notices. Also a number of communications between npower and Richburns are flawed giving entirely false information regarding the result of their personal investigation or visit on me. Information regarding their ambush contain total fabrication of situation and their actions on the day. (h) - SAR papers show that debt collectors had carried out surveillance on me personally and my property on a number of occasions which, according to papers, were all with the knowledge of npower - is this legal??? I keep a complete file of every movement in this case and therefore I know what I am talking about. Npower to date has extorted £20,000.00 from me. I believe I ought to be re-imburesed a very good part of this money. According to the medical certificate I sent the Ombudsman, they owe me compensation. They owe me damages for time, inconvenience and harassments. Questions are: What action should I take against npower? What action should I take against debt collectors now that I have these papers? What am I to do with the Ombudsman? I sincerely hope I have managed to list my points in a good and organised manner. Please Please ask me any questions. If you feel I need to re-start the story, I would try again. I do need advice as this case deserves. I look forward to hearing from you --HELP!

sorry dx100uk, can you please explain a little more, what would you like me to do? thx

hi, there. I am not sure if problem is with meters. And I do not know if meter was Imperial before as it was changed in 2000. As a matter of fact I have kept all papers starting with my first day of contract in 2006. If you read my full story you see that ,having had 5 digit meter readings, npower decided to use 4 digit of readings provided. I was totally unaware of that and through my DD I paid whatever they billed me. After 5 years, in 2011 they decided to "cancel" 5 years of accounts - they ambushed me with sudden great bill for £8K which they increased to £12K in a matter of weeks (nothing with further usage). They did change the meter in 2000 details of which I shall check as you suggest. I have three large folders of papers in which every fabrication and deliberate attempts by npower is documented. There are no confusions or mistakes. I endured extreme harassment by them and debt collectors for more than 1 year before "I" pointed out the 'one year backbilling' and forced them to reduce the amounts. Until then they insisted on getting all moneys for previous 5 years. Nevertheless in no time they fabricated new figures and additional debts to the extent that to date I have paid them far more than they had initially asked. I wished it was simply a mistake as you say but it's not. They systematically and very professionally have taken this route. Please read my story, it is shocking, unbelievable, and had I not have complete documents and evidence of the story, I would have found it hard to believe it myself. Please keep your comments coming, I can benefit from all your thoughts. Thank you

Many thanks for your help. I am still trying to upload Ombudsman's two verdicts. But meanwhile I am preparing another formal request for SAR. I wonder if you could advise me at this point. With all comments I have now received here, I am encouraged to go down this line once more. Since 2011, I have documents in support of numerous times I asked for all infos regarding my account. For some part, I did not mention the word SAR but nevertheless I used all standard jargons for SAR request. Of course npower disregarded them all or at one time sent 2 pages of meaningless figures. As I did not know at the time, I did not offer to pay £10.00 fee with my requests, I thought they would be asking me to pay. Quoting those instances whilst formally requesting SAR again could have good effect but I am not sure if they could be regarded as formal SAR requests, can they? I am talking about more than 50 times that I have made such requests. My former solicitors did that a few times too but without offering or enclosing the fees. Only in one of my requests I specifically mentioned the word SAR and enclosed fees. Is there a good template for SAR request that I can benefit from, particularly in relation to energy companies? many thanks for all your help, I am most grateful. I AM DUE TO REPLY TO OMBUDSMAN'S DECISION IN 4 DAYS TIME, DO YOU THINK I CAN EXPLAIN MY NEW REQUEST FOR SAR AND ASK FOR EXTENSION OF DEADLINE? THEY HAVE INDICATED THAT IT IS THEIR FINAL VERDICT AND I CAN NOT APPEAL. They do have documents of all my requests but have said npower should supply infos if I accept their verdict; what good would that do then, one wonders!

sorry for the delay. I still don't know how to use CAG. the rest of my story is all over the place, and I thought somewhere there I replied to you. Sorry! no doubt it is my fault. Can you follow my story on this site? I am very keen for your advice, and as so much has gone on since your reply, do you think I should start anew? I did ask for SAR, and npower replied that since my case was with Energy Ombudsman, they would not reply in any shape or form _ an excuse to ex-communicate me. However, depending on my acceptance of Ombudsman's verdict, I guess I could ask for SAR again. I will put up the two decisions made by the Ombudsman once I learn how to follow instructions for scanning and uploading on this site. The Ombudsman has given me their final decision which is inaccurate and unacceptable. I need to find a new approach.

Sorry for not replying sooner. Some other problems with utilities took precedence. Just to update you. The Bank made it difficult to collect results of SAR. They wanted me to collect them in person at the branch. However, they still refused to accept all IDs I presented. Meanwhile they blocked my current account through which I could withdraw my money from my other account through number of visits to ATM. It took many months of haggling. I was transferred to head quarters in Hong Kong and Fraud Prevention Offices and many others who intimidated me in every way. At the end, speaking to Hong Kong Offices, I gave them firm notice as "if my money is not transferred to a different bank via swift and within one hour, my solicitors had instructions to immediately forward the prepared article to all national media together with lodging a claim with high court. They paid up!! however, there were £300.00 credit remaining on my credit card account with HSBC, and they took that! saying" you should not keep credit on your account! I went quiet as npower started a sudden attack asking me £12k for no reason whatsoever. I opened a new threat and after 2 years am still seeking advice from fellows in CAG. God bless all.

How did you get on? I read your thread a little! late in 2013. I too have been going through torments and tortures similar and perhaps more. I am still in the midst of it, and I am too at the end of my tether. I hope you were successful with your case, and hate to take you back to it, but it could really help me with my problems with npower now. I have had no joy from Energy Ombudsman and am desperate to find another way. Do you think or anyone else in this position can tell me what they did or doing to resolve their problem? I hope I hear from someone, and I sincerely hope you are now happy and over the whole saga.

hello there, After a long wait, i have now received a final reply from the Ombudsman. Having had my case for nearly 2 years, they now tell me that all actions taken by npower are correct and lawful. It is a 4 page document and I do not think you want me to put it up. The reply contradicts verdicts of initial investigator who at least to some extent was fair and had pointed out npower's shortcomings. I needed to clarify some points to get the final verdict. The new person has clearly not read the case and documents I provided. They have now unjustly condemned me in 'every' possible way. I did write to npower's CEO some time ago as you advised but did not get a reply. I have two full folders of documents, tables and every evidence to support my case but I do not know what to do with them. I am exhausted and confused. Can anyone advice me please.

I went through the same thing! Debt collectors arrived at my door step and extorted £3k. I tried to find out about it. Response were: -Office of Justice Administration at Hendon Court: "you can not do anything, now or to prevent a repeat. Npower goes to the judge and get warrants stampted summarily. There are no claims ref. numbers, so you can not trace it" - The Ombudsman, before their visit, told me "sorry we can not stop them" - The 2 policemen I called upon visited me, threatening me with arrest and told me they had read the piece of paper which I was not given a copy of, was a warrant to break in to my house, reposes my belongings and car. - CAG told me " it's called 'administration' and they do it" So thus far I have been wronged, have no breakdown of charges and have paid £3k for no justifiable reason. Please tell us how you did at the court and the progress.

Hi there, I did contact OFGEM to start a complaint but they refused to give info. re their procedures. They say "we do not deal with the public directly"! I also came across articles elsewhere indicating that the European Union has given OFGEM additional and effective powers to deal with consumers directly and to determine amounts of compensations- from OCTOBER 2013. Ombudsman was supposed to give a verdict 3 months ago. In their last email they said there would be a delay. Did I make a mistake going to them? My last action was to provide meter readings to npower pointing out theTrading Standards Code of Practice and their obligation to provide up to date bill within 10 days. They had informed me that they were not going to issue bills till next April however, this time, they did! The balance is now shown in credit by more than £1600.00. I had sent them regular photographs of my meters showing Actual readings (to stop them haggling over figures read). Yet they disregarded them and continued with bills based on estimated figures __ getting moneys out of me with threats and intimidation. Perhaps new powers of OFGEM have made a difference. Nevertheless, they are getting away with all moneys they extorted in past 2.5 years of dispute. I need to get that money back plus a vast amount of compensation. Since there are no answers from the Ombudsman is it time to go down another route ie. OFGEM or what? One other question, is it advisable to change providers at this point? Many thanks for your help.

So what is the final verdict; ew laws, old laws, whatever.... Can we refuse a smart meter. If you were successful in refusing one, what did you write, please can I have a copy. ta

Hi mike What if I take my case to Ofgem? If any good, where can I find details of their Regulations? Thx for your advice

hello dx and Mike770, many many thanks for your help. Indeed! it is getting silly. As also suggested by Mike770, I am going to write to npower's CEO, but not with much hope. I know that I am one of millions in this, but it certainly feels as if npower has waged a personal vendetta against me. The outcome of my case, if it went to court and won, would certainly have wide implications for all Energy companies; but chances of getting Legal Aid these days are zero, and I must be a multi-billionaire to be able to fight them in courts. In my case, every Code of Practice, Human Rights, Trading Standards and many others have clearly been broken by npower, their 5 debt agencies and even Magistrates and possibly the Police; and I have no doubt that had there been any justice, I wouldn't be in this position. Throughout the years, I paid them whatever I was asked. I never fell behind payments. I am an honest and dignified person. As the result, my health has been affected badly by them, I have spent hundreds of hours preparing documents and communicating with them and others. I have been forced to pay thousands of pounds I did not owe. Furthermore, I can not get rid of them as they 'continue' with their extortions, threats and never ending schemes. The latest, refusing to issue bills, npower, by April 2014, effectively won't be affecting Actual meter readings for slightly over ONE year, and I wonder what my position would be then. Nevertheless, in the event of receiving! a favourable verdict from the Ombudsman, I have just found out that the maximum amount of compensation through them would be £5K - far far less than amounts extorted so far and a fair compensation for damages, please correct me if I am wrong. I would be very grateful for your last thoughts before I go to my MP or write to their CEO. Many many thanks for your help, I am grateful to all of you kind people.

Hi, There. I am still awaiting SAR and Ombudsman's decision which is delayed due to their work load. Meanwhile, in September Npower sent me two further bills for total of over £5K for current consumption. On these bills they ignored photos of meter readings I had sent them - yet another estimated bill. I had no alternative but to pay the amount, quoting "paying under undue force and reserving the right to challenge". To date I have not found a way to stop their raids other than by paying up whatever they ask. However, while waiting for Ombudsman's decision, I am presented with a new problem. Npower has now written informing that they will not issue my next bill until 28th April 2014, after which they resume normal billing!! The last time they issued above 2 bills was on 18th September 2013. Terms of our contract dictates that they should send quarterly bills. A delay of 7 months to send me the next bill has disadvantages as: - In the event of Ombudsman's decision, I won't be able to switch suppliers, I would have to remain with them. - I believe re. Code of Practice, if outstanding amount is disputed due mistakes made by suppliers, then I should be able to switch suppliers any time. Please correct me if I am wrong. Such delay makes it harder to leave them. - in addition, I do not wish to leave matters in their hands for such long period and then to receive possibly yet another fabricated bill difficult to work out Question is can npower do this? Can I give them new meter readings and make them issue an up to date bill within 10 days? Can I object to such and remind them our terms of contract and ask them to issue bills on quarterly basis - due on December 2013. I would appreciate your speedy response.