Definitely write a letter to their complaints department sent in recorded delivery... may I suggest

I like the wording of your letter, very concise! - cheers.

Does anyone know if you are legally required to pass on the details of previous occupiers, upon request by an electricity company? statute?

Not sure why my post has disappeared???

I noticed I had put the orginal thread in the wrong section under media. I copied your post over to the new thread. Sorry for the confusion, bit of a newbie mistake.

They have absolutely no right to charge you for power used prior to you moving into your home. That is almost similar to theft by false pretences. Send them a recorded or registered letter stating that you do not accept responsibility for power used prior to moving into the premises and it is not up to you to find out who the previous occupier is as to get this info may involve someone breaking the Data Protection Act.

At the same time start looking for a new supplier as obviously you can't trust the current supplier who are only interested in ripping you off. EDF have a good deal on electric at present and Eribco on gas. We change suppliers about twice a year and save a lot of money. BTW make sure that the meter serial number is the same one against the one on their bill and keep a note of this meter serial number.

That's an interesting point you raise about Data protection.

I'm sure if I wanted details of previous occupants, they would decline, stating Data protection.

I moved into my new place home.

Contacted the utility providers.

The electricity company sent someone to read the meter.

I then receive my 1st bill as expected.

What I didn't expect, was for it to be dated *prior* to my ownership of the property.

I contacted the company and identifiedthe mistake.

They accepted I was a new customer but,

They said there was still an outstanding amount on that meter.

I said, contact the people that owe you the money and take my name off *their* bill.

They said they dont have *their* details and until I provide them with a name and address I'm liable for the debt!

I think this is very unfair and have sent them the legal stuff to show when I 1st took over the property.

They have since separated the two accounts to enable me to pay what I do owe, yet they have not removed my name from the other bill.

I can probably track down the new address of the previous occupants but given the way they have treated me I don't feel like doing their work for them.

Am I obliged to provide this information?