82-year-old Jimmy Hope has been facing relentless hassle from Eon for months, and the energy giant is now threatening to involve debt collectors. For the past 15 years, Jimmy has lived in his flat in Tyne and Wear, and last October, the gas supply was removed as the property transitioned to an all-electric system.
To Jimmy’s surprise, he received a letter claiming he owed over £400 for gas usage in the past three months, even though his flat no longer has a gas supply, and the gas meter has been removed. Eon even sent its engineer to check the meter, which confirmed its absence. Despite this, Eon continues to demand payment from Jimmy, and the matter has escalated to involve a debt collection agency.
Jimmy reached out to Eon in February to explain the situation, but they requested a meter reading, which was impossible due to the missing meter. Eon sent someone to verify the absence of the meter, but the issue remains unresolved. Six months have passed since the meter was removed, and Jimmy is frustrated that Eon continues to pursue him for money he couldn’t owe.
Jimmy feels exasperated by the situation, as there is no gas supply in the building anymore, and all the flats have been converted to electric. Despite his efforts and even involving a local councillor, he has not been able to find a resolution. Eon’s response has been vague, stating that they are trying to contact Jimmy to resolve the matter and nothing has been mentioned about repayment.
This incident comes after another troubling case where a retired couple’s British Gas and electricity bill tripled while they were on holiday. Pete and Dee Marney returned from their month-long vacation in Spain to find an unexpected and staggering invoice.
What should you do if you think your energy supplier is overcharging you?
If you believe that your energy supplier is overcharging you, taking the following steps can help resolve the issue:
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Review Your Bills: Carefully review your energy bills and check for any discrepancies. Ensure that the meter readings are accurate, and the charges correspond to your actual energy usage.
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Contact Your Energy Supplier: Reach out to your energy supplier as soon as possible to discuss your concerns. Explain the reasons why you believe you are being overcharged and provide any evidence or information to support your claim.
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Keep Records: Document all communication with your energy supplier, including dates, times, and the names of the representatives you speak to. This will be helpful in case you need to escalate the matter later.
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Ask for Explanation and Correction: Request a detailed explanation of the charges on your bill and ask for corrections if errors are identified. Your supplier should be able to clarify any doubts and make adjustments if necessary.
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File a Formal Complaint: If your energy supplier does not address your concerns or if you are dissatisfied with their response, consider filing a formal complaint. Most energy companies have a formal complaints procedure, which you can find on their website or by contacting their customer service.
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Contact the Energy Ombudsman: If your complaint remains unresolved after a reasonable period or if you are not satisfied with the outcome provided by your energy supplier, you can escalate the matter to the Energy Ombudsman (or relevant regulatory body in your country). The Energy Ombudsman is an independent organization that mediates disputes between consumers and energy suppliers.
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Consider Switching Suppliers: If you believe that you are consistently being overcharged and your concerns are not being addressed, you may want to consider switching to a different energy supplier. Use comparison websites to find a supplier that offers better rates and services.
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Seek Legal Advice: In extreme cases where you believe you have been severely mistreated or are facing financial harm due to overcharging, you may want to seek legal advice or consult with consumer protection organizations.
Energy Debt: Get help if you’re behind with your energy bills
If you find yourself behind with your energy bills in the UK, there are several steps you can take to seek help and manage the situation. Here’s a guide on what you can do:
- Contact Your Energy Supplier: The first thing you should do is get in touch with your energy supplier as soon as possible. Inform them about your financial difficulties and discuss your situation. They may be able to offer support and advice on payment options, such as setting up a payment plan or spreading the arrears over a certain period.
- Check Your Tariff: Ensure you are on the most suitable energy tariff for your needs. Your supplier might be able to switch you to a more affordable tariff or a prepayment meter, depending on your circumstances.
- Seek Financial Assistance: There are various financial support schemes available to help with energy bill arrears. For instance, the Warm Home Discount scheme provides eligible low-income households with a one-off discount on their electricity bills. You can check if you qualify for this or other support schemes.
- Contact Charitable Organizations: Some charities and organizations offer support to individuals struggling with energy bills. Reach out to them to see if they can provide assistance or direct you to relevant resources.
- Speak to Citizens Advice: Citizens Advice is a free, impartial service that can offer advice on managing debt, accessing financial assistance, and dealing with energy suppliers. You can visit their website or contact your local Citizens Advice office for support.
- Apply for the Winter Fuel Payment: If you’re of state pension age, you might be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, which is a tax-free payment to help with heating costs during the winter months.
- Utilize the Priority Services Register: If you or someone in your household has a specific need, such as being disabled or of pensionable age, you can register for the Priority Services Register with your energy supplier. This will ensure you receive additional support, such as access to alternative communication formats and tailored assistance during emergencies.
- Budget and Energy Saving Tips: Consider creating a budget to manage your finances better and find ways to reduce your energy usage to lower your bills. Simple measures like turning off lights and appliances when not in use, insulating your home, and setting the thermostat to a comfortable but efficient temperature can make a difference.
For more on mis-selling, visit: https://www.energybrokers.co.uk/news/electricity/energy-mis-selling-how-much-are-you-due