EDF - Warrant of Execution Query

[HP Mum]

Hi

I have been absent from my property for a while.

 

I normally just pay £50 ad hoc on-line in to Edf account to ensure there is a regular payment

and the account is being serviced so no huge debt surprises.

 

Turns out they had sent a larger bill than normal and I owed £250,

followed by red letters and

then a Warrant of Execution to gain entry, remove the normal meter and fit a key meter.

 

Without knowing this I continued to pay ad hoc £50's

so that actually by the time of the allocated court hearing for the Warrant

- this week

- there was only £50 owing to Edf.

 

Of course - I am today paying this final £50 so there is no outstanding current debt to Edf.

 

Can they still obtain a valid Warrant to gain "legal" entry and change the meter ?

 

There was only £50 outstanding on the court date,

money was being paid regularly,

and the debt will have been cleared before anyone appears at the front door to change the meter.

 

Where do I stand on this, please ?

[rebel11]

Hi HP mUM

 

Here's some info:-

 

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/debt_w/debt_action_your_creditor_can_take_e/debt_bailiffs_e/how_to_stop_bailiff_action.htm

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?391975-Warrant-of-execution-to-fit-electricity-meter

[Conniff]

Don't forget the standing charge will be increasing your bill continuously and if there is a fridge etc or anything consuming power, that will also be increasing the amount owed.

[HP Mum]

I understand about standing charges and ticking over - this is why I pay ad hoc £50 payments.

Guess they are kind of constant good will payments without bills to hand.

Normally a £250 bill - estimated - would not appear and would be dealt with immediately.

In this instance the bills and reminders were not received. And it got as far as letter advising a Warrant of Execution would be applied for.

I got the mail at the w/e and ploughed through opening.

As the potential court date was this week - and only £50 from the original 250 was outstanding (now paid in full) - I am hoping that the court date did not happen.

If it did - in my absence - and there is no debt and Edf advises they now have a Warrant, can I dispute its validity on the basis of debt paid in full before hearing ?

I have just read on one of the threads posted, that they should normally give notice of attending the site.

 

The property is too nice to have a key meter !!

[mikeymack2002]

EDF are notorious for being harsh, they recently said that I owed a huge bill, I didn't as was on direct fuel payments, I started to create waves and demanded that they relook at the entire account, they did result was they found £360+ in excess payments and now due this as a refund in the next few weeks.

 

 

This only came to light when I rechecked all my previous bills and saw that there was an issue, so get a formal complaint in and get your account fully checked, you maybe able to find you have the odd "lost" payment so therefore you don't owe money, if so ask for compensation, in my case it took me 4 years to actually notice this due to specific reasons but well worth all the waiting for them to finally sort it out.

 

 

Get this done asap and check with the enforcement team at EDF to see if they have the warrant already.

 

 

MM

[NoGym Bod]

Good luck. EDF gained a warrant to access my house and fit a prepayment meter even though there was a request from Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to act on my behalf in relation to the debt and a payment plan was being set up. They claimed they had no response form CAP when the returned documnets for CAP to complete, an as such they applied for a warrant. CAP claim EDF never responsed to their emails at all. EDF are sneaky bar stewards!! Iva asked for proof of all documentaion sent, a month down the line I have received nothing, and EDF claim they are not at fault!!I have contacted the Ombudsman. Dont call EDF, ensure everything you do is either by mail or email so you have proof of contact. When I call they never call back when they say they will, and you cant prove the content of a conversation!!

It seems to be a common thing to play dumb and stall, my local council did the same in relation to my rent arrears, claimed no contact in the courts to obtain a warrant to evict me.

[mikeymack2002]

Is there any one that has a disability at the property or is anyone on benefits?

[NoGym Bod]

My daughter lives at the property with me. She was in her bedroom with her newborn baby when BCW Group forcefully entered the house. They didnt even knowck to see if anyone was home first. My daughter was petrified she thought we had burgulars and that her and her baby were about to come to harm.Obviously with having the baby, she is currently on benefits. I was on benefits at the time the whole process with CAP started, but I have now managed to find temporary work.

[NoGym Bod]

Sorry mikeymack2002 was your comment aimed at me? If not apologies for responding

[mikeymack2002]

ok with the forced entry this has caused so much alarm and distress, especially since there is a new born baby involved. Speak to the priority team at EDF, inform them of the situation at home, they must abide by certain rules in regards to a supply to a household with a new born in it.

 

 

Secondly that this complaint should be on the official side. Don't take any rubbish from EDF, but you must speak to them so they are aware that there is a situation that is not right for them to force entry at such a time.

 

 

You must let anyone you have debt with that at this address that there is a vulnerable person living there. OK

 

 

Just because EDF had a warrant of entry there is protocol involved before they can cave in the door, like knocking on it to see if anyone is in, if there was then they could have answered the door, if things got out of hand the Police would have been there to prevent a breach of the peace.

 

 

You have a strong case for your complaint to EDF and should do so straight away

 

 

MM

[mikeymack2002]

It appears there is more to this story than is posted, perhaps if you are prepared to give the whole story you may get different/relevant advice on this matter so therefor helping you in the long run.

 

 

Bear in mind this is your choice whether you do so or not is entirely up to you, if you don't then the advice will be only on what you have posted thus far. You have stated other issues and therefore maybe connected in some way.

 

 

MM

[NoGym Bod]

Lol how long have you got........ here goes!I put in for a dual energy supplier switch sometime in 2011 with uSwitch. I was unsure as to whether I was making the right decision as I have prepayment meters and had been unable to get accurate readings form my meters. I called, cancelled my application, my cancellation was confirmed.Since the cancellation was made, my energy suppliers had changed without my knowledge and without my consent. My Gas supply from British Gas to EDF. The switch of Electricity from EON to British Gas never went ahead following my cancellation request. I only realised a few months later when I called British Gas regarding a gas leak and they advised me I was no longer a customer. uSwitch are now denying all knowledge of the cancelleation.I contacted EDF in July 2012 asked them to return me to my original supplier, no action was taken. They did not cknowledge receiot of my email, therefore I refused to pay them.In late 2013 after becoming unemployed I enlisted the services of Christians Against Poverty to help with my spiralling debt, being christians they advised that I should not ignore the EDF bill and it would be better to make payments whilst resurrecting the original complaint/ request to switch (pardon the pun).In April 2014 CAP contacted EDF on several occassions to which CAP have advised EDF failed to respond.EDF have claimed they did reply to CAP, and that CAP had not returend documentation as requested, therefore, as they had also had no contact from me, they applied for the warrant. I advised EDF I had appointed CAP to work on my behalf, and although they acknowledge receipt of correspondance from CAP they are not obliged to wait for a response.I have asked EDF for proof of all correspondance as I find it very difficult to beleive that a Christian organisation would lie, EDF can't even send me a simple copy of an email response, I have been waiting for a week just for that.I also, on the date the warrant was executed (10.04.2014), asked EDF to provide me copies of the warrant (BCW Group flashed a piece of paper in front of my daughters face claiming it to be a warrant, she is 20 but very naive, has no idea what a warrant looks like to verify one, but they didnt leave a copy).I also asked for all documentation confirming that I had agreed for the swiths in 2012 to take place, an address for the court where they applied for the warrant, and the infromation they provided the courts to obtain the warrant as I believe it to be false. They have provided me with nothing.So basically, whilst I thought CAP were dealing with the debt, EDF were claiming no contact and applied for and were awarded a warrantto enter my home forcefully and install a prepayment meter.

[Conniff]

You need to edit your post NoGym Bod and put some line feeds into it. It's not likely to be read in the state it is now.

[mikeymack2002]

I hope this helps the OP

 

 

Lol how long have you got........ Here goes!

Put in for a dual energy supplier switch sometime in 2011 with uSwitch. I was unsure as to whether I was making the right decision as I have prepayment meters and had been unable to get accurate readings from my meters. I called, cancelled my application, my cancellation was confirmed. Since the cancellation was made, my energy suppliers had changed without my knowledge and without my consent.

Re: my gas supply from British Gas to EDF. The switch of Electricity from EON to British Gas never went ahead following my cancellation request. I only realised a few months later when I called British Gas regarding a gas leak and they advised me I was no longer a customer. USwitch are now denying all knowledge of the cancellation.

I contacted EDF in July 2012 asked them to return me to my original supplier, no action was taken. They did not acknowledge receipt of my email; therefore I refused to pay them. In late 2013 after becoming unemployed I enlisted the services of Christians Against Poverty to help with my spiralling debt, being Christians they advised that I should not ignore the EDF bill and it would be better to make payments whilst resurrecting the original complaint/ request to switch (pardon the pun).

In April 2014 CAP contacted EDF on several occasions to which CAP have advised EDF failed to respond.EDF have claimed they did reply to CAP, and that CAP had not returned documentation as requested, therefore, as they had also had no contact from me, they applied for the warrant. I advised EDF I had appointed CAP to work on my behalf, and although they acknowledge receipt of correspondence from CAP they are not obliged to wait for a response.

I have asked EDF for proof of all correspondence as I find it very difficult to believe that a Christian organisation would lie, EDF can't even send me a simple copy of an email response, I have been waiting for a week just for that. I also, on the date the warrant was executed (10.04.2014), asked EDF to provide me copies of the warrant (BCW Group flashed a piece of paper in front of my daughters face claiming it to be a warrant, she is 20 but very naive, has no idea what a warrant looks like to verify one, but they didn’t leave a copy).

I also asked for all documentation confirming that I had agreed for the switches in 2012 to take place, an address for the court where they applied for the warrant, and the information they provided the courts to obtain the warrant as I believe it to be false. They have provided me with nothing. So basically, whilst I thought CAP were dealing with the debt, EDF were claiming no contact and applied for and were awarded a warrant to enter my home forcefully and install a prepayment meter.

[NoGym Bod]

You need to edit your post NoGym Bod and put some line feeds into it. It's not likely to be read in the state it is now.

 

Strange.... there were line feeds in....they disappear when I submit the reply :-/

[mikeymack2002]

You should as advised contact EDF and ask them if they supply you as a dual fuel customer, if they are not then ask your previous supplier if they are supplying just your gas.

 

 

Ok you have stated you have spiralling debt, this can be help if you look for the correct forum and post up all the relevant information in regards to that particular debt.

 

 

Now please keep to your debt with your energy supply to this thread ok.

 

 

You should have been left a copy of the warrant for future reference write to EDF/BCW for a copy of this.

 

 

As you have had a key meter fitted you will find it easier to control the debt, they will recover it from you each and every time you top up, always keep at least a tenner on the key without putting it into the meter, as going into the red costs you more, plus with a tenner already on it you can just pop it in before the electricity turns off, then replace it the next day that you can, this way you will always have credit in an emergency without having to be charged more for it.

 

 

Rather than answer you post in one go it will be easier for all if done in stages ok

 

 

MM

[mikeymack2002]

Strange.... there were line feeds in....they disappear when I submit the reply :-/

 

 

At the end of a sentence just hit enter, maybe you are posting from a mobile?

 

 

MM

[NoGym Bod]

I have been in talks with EDF regarding this since February. They continue to feed me their prescripted garbage as an excuse as to why the prepayment meter was installed.I have no requirement for a prepayment meter, the paymnet plan I was offering would have cleared the outstanding debt within a few months. Their knee jerk reaction to apply for a warrant was done purely on the grounds that, mistakenly, like other companies I have dealt with, they assume that because you are using a debt management company that you will use Banruptcy as a get a clause to allow you to be free from and not have to repay the debt. This was never an option for me although CAP had discussed it with me. My local council did the same thing, applied for a warrant to evict me assuming that I would take the easy option by way of bankruptcy. My local council also claimed in court that CAP had made no contact to get what they wanted. Fortunately in this instance the judge threw the case out. Subsequently, I cleard my rent arrears within 2 weeks of returning back to work.Anyway, going back to the EDF situation, as I never agreed to be a customer of theirs in the first instance, EDF are totally in the wrong in this situation, and should have returned me back to my original supplier back in 2011 when I requested so. There would have been no debt if they had done as I had requested. They should never have gone to BG asking for money owed, when I had specifically stated that I did not authorise a switch from BG to EDF. I have asked the ombudsman to investigate now as it has been going on too long, EDF even though they have the written proof refuse to acknowledge my complaint as a valid one.

Edited May 1, 2014 by NoGym Bod

[NoGym Bod]

I have been in talks with EDF regarding this since February. They continue to feed me their prescripted garbage as an excuse as to why the prepayment meter was installed.I have no requirement for a prepayment meter, the paymnet plan I was offering would have cleared the outstanding debt within a few months. Their knee jerk reaction to apply for a warrant was done purely on the grounds that, mistakenly, like other companies I have dealt with, they assume that because you are using a debt management company that you will use Banruptcy as a get a clause to allow you to be free from and not have to repay the debt. This was never an option for me although CAP had discussed it with me. My local council did the same thing, applied for a warrant to evict me assuming that I would take the easy option by way of bankruptcy. My local council also claimed in court that CAP had made no contact to get what they wanted. Fortunately in this instance the judge threw the case out. Subsequently, I cleard my rent arrears within 2 weeks of returning back to work.Anyway, going back to the EDF situation, as I never agreed to be a customer of theirs in the first instance, EDF are totally in the wrong in this situation, and should have returned me back to my original supplier back in 2011 when I requested so. There would have been no debt if they had done as I had requested. They should never have gone to BG asking for money owed, when I had specifically stated that I did not authorise a switch from BG to EDF. I have asked the ombudsman to investigate now as it has been going on too long, EDF even though they have the written proof refuse to acknowledge my complaint as a valid one.

 

I think there is a problem with the PC im using re: line feeds! The original had line feeds and I have editted to put in line feeds..... they dont seem to work??.... sorry!!

[cher69cher69]

Hi there just wondere if you got this sorted out as i am in a similar position myself thank you

[HP Mum]

Writing on behalf of a friend here:

 

Friend been overseas since 2008.

Flat pretty much empty most of the time in last 6 years,

just basic ticking over of normal electric supply in the flat.

I have been helping with post and maintenance whilst friend overseas.

 

Unfortunately, friend became sick and was un-contactable for almost a year.

In this year, EDF kept sending high estimates.

 

Due to my own personal reasons I missed going to the flat for many months.

In this period there were many red letters and threats.

 

When I finally read all his post I rang EDF and explained the situation:

that the flat was empty, that the estimates were grossly exaggerated,

that EDF needed to prevent a warrant of execution.

 

The alleged outstanding bills were only approximately £300.

But EDF would not speak to me as I am not the owner.

EDF ignored my pleas.

 

EDF then entered the exterior vaults and removed the meter.

And posted a key for a pre-paid meter !!

 

EDF continue to send bills and demands for the alleged outstanding bills and also for their charges to remove the meter.

 

SO:

Now I have a lawyer with POA for friend.

 

Can we write:

demand to know the accurate reading of the removed meter

demand compensation for the removal of the meter

demand the meter is re-instated

 

It does not seem correct that EDF can remove a meter for estimated readings, which must have been so much lower than their estimates.

 

Can anyone offer some advice here, please.

[dx100uk]

when was the last time THEY saw/read the meter?

 

 

dx

[HP Mum]

I don't know when edf last read the meter.

The meter was outside in a basement vault - accessible by utility suppliers meter readers.

 

 

This is why I do not understand why their bills were only estimated

[HP Mum]

As the flat is unoccupied no-one is there to greet any EDF meter reader

[HP Mum]

But this is why I want to know the exact last reading.

Do you think they would have recorded it? It seems they did not as all further bills still state the same estimated bill as the final reading.