Hi Ladies!
Looking for some advice:
Had £150+ withdrawn from my account a couple of weeks ago by Scottish Power (more than happy to name and shame!!) with absolutely no notice from them... However, I've not lived in the property since I was a student approx 2-3 years ago and I paid the final bill around then etc etc.
I gave them a call and they apologised and said as long as I could provide proof that I had moved out then it would be refunded ASAP. I did that immediately and assumed it would all be fine.
I heard nothing from them so gave them another call a couple of days later (no mean feat as I was on hold for nearly an hour). AND THEY CHANGED THEIR BLOODY MINDS.
They claim:
- The charge is for a second property, my student flat that I moved out of 18 months ago and also paid the final bill for.
- They did a meter reading in April of this year (10 months since I moved out) and apparently it was very different.
- Apparently they only had an estimated meter reading when the final bill was issued (bullshit, I did a meter reading) so I am liable for the charge.
Either way its taken over a year to charge me - which is ridiculous! I could probably understand if it were 6months after the move, but it's been 18! I've got an indemnity on the charge from my bank, but I need help to fight it.
Can they still charge me? The ombudsman advises that: "According to the electricity and gas regulations where a provider has undercharged a small retailer customer, there is a limit of nine months within which they can recover an amount payable. For example, a provider may issue a backbill covering a two year period, however, they are only able to recover charges for the 9 months prior to the date of issue of the bill." But obviously, I'm not a retail customer!
Honestly, this bill has left me with next to no money and I think that it's totally unfair. HELPP!