Disputed gas bill - anyone know the chances on them accepting and offer?

[Postdog]

Long story short, we moved, we changed suppliers, something went wrong in the process despite us supplying meter readings (which we no longer have cos we just gave them over the phone). The new suppliers took over officially after a month and some months after we recieved a final estimated bill from the old supplier. I disputed the amount, contacted them, never heard back, and then had the debt collectors calling.

Following legal intervention the debt collectors have been called off while we try to ascertain actual figures, but just in case we can't do that, I was thinking of haggling an amount to pay. There estimation was nearly £300 for suppling us for one month (well, electric at 3 weeks, gas a month) whereas based on what I paid at my old house I reckon it would be nearer £150 top whack.

I'm not disputing owing them money, just disputing the final amount. I don't know the criteria they are basing their estimation but out of the two, I recon mine is way more realistic.

Anyone actually negotiated like this before?

[Postdog]

and I don't usually spell that badly btw

[merciasounds]

I would contact the ombudsman. What company is it?

[merciasounds]

Looking at the ombudsman for domestic fuel, I don't think they can help as it's probably gone through the courts if a debt collector is involved, but you can contact OFFGEM the regulators and they might be able to help, there's a telephone number for consumers with complaints on the page i've given you the link to. It's worth a try


http://www.ofgem.gov....s/Pages/Consumer.aspx

[Postdog]

No, as soon as the debt collector started calling, I went to a law centre, and that aspect of it is on hold while we try to sort out what has gone wong and why - something they should have done when I originally queried. My worry is that even after investigation there won't be enough actual facts to determine a correct figure, and whether negotiation of the amount is a reasonable alternative or am I just going to have to swallow what they say?

[merciasounds]

I don't think that it's reasonable to expect anybody in an ordinary home to pay £300 for what amounts to less than 1/6 of a quarters fuel usage. phone up offgem, if they can't help phone the ombudsmen, the number is given by offgem. If nobody can help there, which I doubt, then get a solicitor. Likeyou say, a reasonable estimate could be made on your previous bills.

[merciasounds]

sorry, meant to say a 1/3 of a quarter

[BAKERS DOZEN]

A lot will depend on whether you had estimated bills before the final estimated one. They usually look back over the corresponding quarter in the previous year to make the estimate or work out how much you have used over any period between two firm readings. Ask for a full statement of your account say over the past three years or since you moved in and see if you can work out a fair figure. You may be able to get these online but doubt it if the account is now closed and disputed.

[Postdog]

As I said we moved here. The previous occupiers should have supplied final meter readings when they left (as we did with ours) and I'm basing what I estimate on what I used to pay at my old house. What went on with this house I don't know but meters are checked up on as a matter of course throughout the year by suppliers, so at some they will have had proper readings from here.

[jackthehat]

If I were you, Postdog, I'd be inclined to offer them a proportion of your 'projected' yearly costs.

Calculate how much you have used to date.....convert that into a 52-week consumption and then divide that by the amount of weeks which are in dispute.

Write showing your calculations and offering them this amount if 'Full and final settlement' and keep copies of *all* correspondence....don't enter into negotiations over the telephone.

Then leave the ball in their court...

[twix123]

Other than the fact that it was very cold weather when you moved last January, is it possible that the previous occupiers of your house gave EON a very low meter reading, reducing the amount they paid for their final bill, leaving you to pay the balance due after your final readings when you changed suppliers?