Southern Electric Gas problem

[Nobnob]

Hi all, I hope this is in the right place but if not please move, thanks.

 

I have a grievance with Southern Electric Gas and am basically looking for some advice about whether this problem (which is not my fault at all) will affect my credit rating and whether it would be worth me making a complaint.

 

Ok, here goes, bit of a long one but bear with me!

 

In September 2008 I took a 6-month tenancy on at a flat. I registered with Southern Electric Gas (electric was that horrible pay-as-you-go thingy), gave them my ingoing meter reading and when my tenancy ended in March 2009 and I moved out I gave them my outgoing meter reading.

 

Fastforward a few weeks and I get a bill for over £400 for that place which had dates on it in June 2009. I queried it because it seemed an extortionately high amount for such a short time and because it mentioned dates when I was no longer liable for that property. I was initially told by someone at SEG that the amount was correct, that it was solely based on the meter readings despite the odd dates, but after more phone calls they looked closer and it transpired that they had linked me to the previous tenants (who had left prior to me moving in) and were trying to chase me for their debt. I have absolutely nothing to do with these tenants whatsoever, so SEG asked me to send them a copy of my tenancy and they would get it sorted. I faxed them a very clear letter stating the periods I was liable, giving them my meter readings again, attached a copy of my tenancy agreement and also provided them with my new address because I was moving again. I sent this in October 2009.

 

I hear nothing for months. Admittedly I probably should have chased this up but assumed that as I'd heard nothing that the debt was resolved and I had nothing to pay. In early 2010 (can't remember the month atm) I get a letter at my new address from a debt collection agency stating my SEG debt had been passed to them. The amount they were quoting was the same amount the original bill had been for. Based on this it was pretty obvious that SEG had received my fax (because they'd managed to send this letter to my new address which was provided on the fax) but not actually amended the account at all. After some (angry) phone calls to both the debt collectors and SEG, my account was actually looked at and I was issued a revised bill for the correct amount which my partner paid within a few days. All of the stuff with the debt collection agency was dealt with straight away.

 

Understandably I was pretty annoyed about this. My partner (who did the angry calling, he's better at that stuff than me) was ensured by someone at the debt collectors that this wouldn't affect my credit rating. I, however, am not inclined to believe that. Will it affect my rating? And if it will can I file a complaint and request that the "black mark" is removed, based on the fact that SEG had failed to amend my account despite having obviously received the letter?

 

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[MARTIN3030]

Welcome to the site.

Not all utility companies flag CRFs or will report there.

You will need to get a copy from Experian-at £2 its a good investment.

Keep all communications in writing.

Should you wish to file a complaint with the ICO or file a section 13 claim for damages/harm,you will be expected to provide evidence in support.so make sure you have that if its likely to be needed.

You could ask the DCA to give an undertaking in writing to say that no adverse reporting will happen-if you do this ask for a copy of their complaints procedure which you are entitled to.

Keep us posted as to how you get on.

[Nobnob]

Thank you for your advice, it's much appreciated.

 

Good idea about getting a copy of my credit report, I'll definitely do that. If it comes back and shows there isn't anything on it from this company does that mean it never will for this debt?

 

If it does show something from them is the only way to get it removed to make a complaint to the ICO?

 

Sorry for all the questions!

[MARTIN3030]

Its no problem.

 

Ok if you find that there are entries there which you believe should not be or else are incorrect,the CRA shares an equal responsibility to make the matters right.

Usually they will say that they will contact the lender/creditor/assignee to ask them if they think the entries are correct or not.

THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTENT AND ACCURATE REPORTING TOO-dont be fobbed off.

You are entitled to add a notice of correction to anything you do not agree with-it costs nothing.

I would suggest something like

"The subject disputes the defaulted information/outstanding amounts and is awaiting conclusion of a complaint from the data processor"

 

They wont like this but it is your right.

 

If you have a copy of the DCAs response saying nothing will be flagged then send this to the CRA with a covering letter.

Keep copies and send recorded.

 

The ICO will want to see that you have alerted the CRA to any dispute before considering a complaint.As I said they will also expect to see any response so ask for this in writing only.

 

Best of luck.

[Nobnob]

Thanks for that, that's helped a lot. I shall get onto this this week and let you know how I get on.

[Nobnob]

I realise it's been months but I had forgotten about this thread - oops! I got a copy of my credit report and there was nothing about SEG on there at all which is all good and well. I'm just leaving it at that. I'm not responsible for the utitlities where I live now and will probably be a while before I am.