I'm curious to know what everyone else is paying as I was previously with octopus energy paying £100 per month (old tariff) for gas and electric and always has a surplus at the end of each month.
When that tariff expired, U switch suggested So Energy, so I moved to them. They were charging £110 per month. After around 10 months or so I got a call from So Energy to say that I'm £900 behind in payments, but I've been paying each month. They explain that my usage is high!
I'm in a 4 bed semi, 1 adult and 1 primary school aged child. Heating is only used in the rooms being used, double glazing and insulation throughout, tumble dryer used once a week to dry towels. I work from home a few days a week without the heating on.
We agreed I'd pay £150 per month to clear the debt (yes this will take time but they wanted £400 a month)! We agreed this over the phone and in an email setting out the agreement but there was a sticking point.
Before we made this agreement they wanted to take the £900 in one go, which I refused. I cancelled the direct debit and set up a standing order to prevent them helping themselves. The Citizens Advice Bureau said that was the right thing to do, as they often get calls from people who's bank accounts have already been ransacked.
In our written agreement they say they would prefer direct debit (of course they would) but will accept my standing order but as their system is automated and doesn't recognise standing orders I'll still receive letters from them from time to time about the outstanding amount. I said that's fine as we have a written agreement.
I paid as usual each month to the agreed amount but a few months later I get a call from debt collectors for So Energy. I explain that I already have an agreement and email this to them. They agree that this looks like an agreement and put their actions on hold whilst they queried the agreement with So Energy.
In the meantime So Energy have made a negative mark on my credit file. I was not told to expect any of this when we made our agreement.
Yesterday I got a call from their debt collectors (and they've been to my house) to say that the arrears are now £1,500 which was built up over the summer months when no heating was being used and still isn't being used and I am still paying £150 per month. I don't understand why this bill is still climbing?
I reminded the debt collectors (connexus) about the written agreement between So Energy and I buy they said that So Energy told them to disregard that and continue as as far as they're concerned, there is no agreement!
We have gone down a dangerous road when these companies can have a written agreement but then decide to breech it with the full support of the agencies set up to help us, the public.
The Energy Ombudsman's response was that So Energy had the right to recover their costs. The Ombudsman's report never once mentioned the written agreement. Citizens Advice said they get many calls about this but there's nothing that they can do.
Has anyone else experienced this?