Huge Electricity Bill!!!

[bobbydazzler]

Hi all,

Very quickly, I was informed over a year ago that I was in credit with my electricity account (Npower) and they were reducing monthly direct debit to �6.00 (was paying �70.00 for long while).

Less than a year later they tried to take �400 instead of �6.00. They then sent a bill for �3,500!!.

I got in touch, they said something wrong and to cancel DD, had meter read (three times!) then they informed it would be �6.00 per month again (and said '...this charge takes into consideration any amount outstanding from previous bills.'....) but never sent DD mandate despite my repeated requests....three months later I've now received another bill....for �4,500!!!!!!

Small two bedroomed cottage...it cannot be correct...even engineer who read meter said it was impossible for that amount to be accrued!

Getting nowhere....HELP!

Bob

[dzug]

Maybe you are getting the bill for another meter in another property - sorting out this sort of thing can be a nightmare.

Take meter readings yourself (recommended anyway even if you are not having problems) and see how they compare with the readings quoted on bills.

You might get some sort of clue to where things are going wrong.

[HJT40]

I have has similar problems with southern electric since I moved in to my property two years ago. The only way I got anything resolved was to keep ringing them, which then cost me money on my phone bill. Mine was recalculated from �15 a month to �60 and then I was in credit and they recalculated it to be more! May be you ought to write to them explaining in plain english the situation, then if it gets worse send copies of all your correspondence to the relevant ombudsman. Then hopefully their incompetance will come to light. I feel sorry for the elderly and those who may not be so astute who would just continue to pay, because they are told to do so.

[auzzie]

Have a word with these people
http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ofgem/index.jsp

[toffee-pie]

i found what looks like a very good company that offers both gas and electric. its ebico and they offer equipower or equigas and even an option to support the environment through their greener option. they came recommended by a local housing office when i took over a new property. they may be a better option for you as all you have to do is fill out a form.