British Gas -v- Southern Electric

[Squeaky]

Hi,

I'm new the this forum and am asking for some help and guidance. Having recently moved my mother-in-law who is in early stages of demntia, it seems that someone from both Southern Electric and British Gas have been in touch with her and she has agreed for both to supply gas and electric. I'm now in the middle of a bun fight!

MIL has not signed anything (her previousl contracts were more than 40 years old) and I've been told that her verbal conversation with the 'nice chap who wanted to make sure I was okay' was sufficient authority.

Is this correct? How do I cut through the red tape and make sure she's not cut off by either and left wanting?????

[noggsy]

I would doubt if she hasnt signed anything then she is still with her original supplier. What I would do is phone the supplier and ask them to carry out an MPAN check. This is a database of all utility meters throughout the Country which identifies who supplies the individual meters, you will probably need the meter numbers, the account number and some form of authorisation from your MIL (Data Protection and all that)

[Squeaky]

Tried this. Originally she had BG for the Gas and SE for the Electric - so both are claiming to be her original supplier. I did ask for the check to be done and was bounced round the houses - both claimed to be the supplier.

Ended up - we have written to SE to say that a) she had no new contract or terms & conditions from them but BG had sent this through for the new electrical supply and b) the transcript of the call indicated that the person she spoke to originally had not stated that her verbal 'yes that sounds nice' was a binding contract! Also, there was no mentioned from SE that she had a 7 day cooling off period.

[Spiceskull]

You need to contact both original suppliers, let them know you are acting for MIL, and tell them that she does not wish to change supplier, whatever one company may say to the other.

Get them to confirm, in writing, that they have been instructed to remain as the desired supplier for whichever utility they are providing...if they are approached by any other supplier regarding changing, they are to get written confirmation from you before any actions and decisions are taken...

I spent a year and a half working for SSE when the domestic energy markets were deregulated...to think that these practices are still occurring is disgusting...to switch supplier WRITTEN and SIGNED consent is required...all a verbal agreement does is confirm that they can send a form for you to sign requesting the change...it does not confirm the change itself...

Whilst you are at it, send a complaint to OFGEM, outlining your concerns at the treatment of a frail and vulnerable member of society...

[scousegeezer]

Squeaky,
Just a thought - whilst she is still in the early days of dementia, you or your wife should get a Power of Attorney - BEFPORE SHE DETERIORATES. The strange thing with a power of attorney is that the person has to be aware enough to know what they are doing, when they sign over their financial dealings to you or your wife. The power of attorney that you want is an enduring one. Then any person who wants something from your MIL has to get your authority by law. I had this problem with my father in law a couple of years ago. Best of luck.

Cheers - Scousegeezer.

[Squeaky]

Thanks.

Have done as suggested, and discussions are going on about an 'enduring power of attourney' so all sons have to agree/sign rather than one having total control - solicitor reckons it will save a lot of arguments later. If we all sign then one cannot what has been done.