Opus Energy - problems

[NewStartup2010]

hello,

 

I recently started a new business venture 2 months ago and took over an existing premises. With enough to be getting on with I left my gas and electric as the current suppliers with a view to shopping around for the best quote in a month's time - I knew both suppliers but was busy setting up a small business so I put it off on day 1 - in hindsight this was a mistake.

 

The next thing I knew 3 weeks into our business I got a call from Opus Energy stating that they were now my Electric and Gas supplier for my property and had me tied into a contract for 2 years. I had never heard of them before and they said they had a verbal contract from someone on the premises. A quick google search and it seems I am not alone.

 

The person who they caught out with the verbal contract is my partner and yes legally she does have authority to speak for our company - but she is not from the UK and her English is not great. I am still awaiting a recording of the contract from Opus but this has been delayed in coming through ??? As a result Opus have our wrong company name and my partners wrong personal name on all our contracts. My partner does not remember the call, has never heard of Opus and runs our busy front of shop so diverts all business related calls to myself as she deals with customers.

 

Opus have managed to take the electricity supply and now billing me at over 33% above the best rate I since got quoted through 'GoCompare'. They also have now sent me a electricity contract in the post with all the details and all their T&C's for a 2 year contract at this rate !!! With significant penalty fees for early cancellation - I said I was not happy about how they obtained the contract, raised a formal complaint and asked for a recording of the verbal contract which they have sent out to me but I have not received yet. I was offered a price reduction in my rates following my complaint - but I have said I would like to hear the recording of the verbal contract first.

 

They also are now taking the invoice on an estimate basis charge from my bank account and have all my direct debit details. My business has been open 2 months and the only company I gave my bank details to are my existing gas supplier. However, a few weeks down the line my original gas supplier does not have my details as I have to by my 1st month by debit card, but low and behold Opus are already diving into my bank account !!!

 

I don't want to say to much more as this is still ongoing, and my gas supply is also up in the air. Opus are trying to tie me into their 2 year contract again for gas at a rate that is actually DOUBLE !!! what my existing suppliers are quoting me.

 

My current postion is I don't want to be tied into Opus for anything ( even more so now out of principal as I find their business conduct absolutely disgusting !! ) never mind 2 years at inflated rates !! - however, they do have my electricity supply and am worried they effectivley have me by the balls as I obviously need electricity to run my business.

 

I have 2 jobs and work in 2 very different industries - in both of these industries 'customer service' is paramount !!! I have come across companies that aren't very good, companies that have made mistakes but this is the first time I have come across a company that I find to be intentionally malicious. I know these companies exist and are out there but I have been fortunate or able to avoid them till now. We will wait and see how this pans out and if anyone has any advice or similar experience or advice of how to get rid of Opus then please let me know. I will try to keep this thread updated with how I get on.

[IdaInFife]

re above post - the post has been removed until admin can recieve verification of the poster.

[Olly2]

OFFICIAL RESPONSE

 

I’m pleased to confirm we have spoken with the customer and agreed a way forward. If you have any problems with Opus Energy, please contact me on 0800 223 0170.

 

Andy Nash, Operations Director.

Edited April 1, 2011 by alanfromderby