Changing suppliers

[Chromatix]

My friend who still lives in England has changed supplier within the past year, because she couldn't keep up with the bills with the old one, and I found her one that was much cheaper. I had recommended she switch some time before that - I don't know why she didn't. She now pays less for both gas and electricity than she did in 2007.

 

She is still getting payment demands from the old supplier (Southern Electric), and the numbers don't seem to add up by my reckoning. At one point she got a demand for over £4000 for electricity alone, which we flatly ignored as absurd (corresponding to about 10 years worth of completely unpaid bills).

 

The more recent demands are for much smaller amounts, but still roughly twice the amounts I calculate should have been owed, which stem from about 3 months of unpaid bills after two rate hikes in quick succession.

 

My main question is thus: Are outstanding bills from a previous supplier supposed to be transferred to the new one?

 

Another oddity is that British Gas, who is not her new supplier, has somehow managed to activate Direct Debits for at least £250. I do not know how this could possibly have been achieved. I think I can help her sort this out myself, though.

[MARTIN3030]

Who IS the new supplier ?

[zazen.warrior]

Post removed.

Edited July 29, 2010 by zazen.warrior

[Chromatix]

The new supplier is E-on. So far they seem to have treated her decently.

 

If the outstanding bills are not transferred, then at least I know which direction to proceed in. I can write a letter demanding details of how their figures were arrived at, rather than incorrectly demanding to know why the balance wasn't transferred.

 

I don't believe she has given BG her bank details - ever. However it is possible that someone else has, either by accident or maliciously. I'll help her write another letter demanding a copy of the DD mandate which was used to authorise those transactions.

[zazen.warrior]

Post removed.

Edited July 29, 2010 by zazen.warrior

[pelham9]

All very curious.

 

Utilities usually fight tooth and nail not to transfer an account to another utility.

 

If the account has been run OK ond there is nothing owing they cannot refuse the transfer.

 

If on the other hand there is money owing then they can and do refuse the transfer.

 

So if all is done correctly there is no question of any debts needing to be "transferred".

 

Was the previous supplier British Gas? -you do not say but I cannot see how they could otherwise have taken a DD amount. Make sure she cancels any DD for BG at her bank - if she does this it cannot be used by British gas.

 

If BG was the previous supplier realise that their computer systems are still not up to scratch.British Gas to sue Accenture over customer service hell | This is Money.

 

Your best next step is to write a letter of compliant to British Gas (recorded delivery). Once this is done until the matter is sorted they cannot persue the debt via DCA or court. I have personal experience of BG's ineptitude and it is perfectly possible that their still inefficient computer system will start referring one or other a the various bill you have received to a debt collection agency who will threaten all kinds of nasty actions.

[MARTIN3030]

Agree -good post Pelham.