Unfair charge for unused Available Capacity Electrical Supply

[Surfer01]

I am a bit unsure on this but normally the Availability Charge is a signed contract between the owner and the supplier. If there is a charge of ownership I think a new contract should have to be signed, but perhaps Nottslad can confirm. Also the fact that the AC was not used for several years should have made the supplier query this and contact the owner to adjust the AC. However get onto the supplier to reduce the AC as soon as possible and make sure it is in writing also.

[Surfer01]

Hi Surfer

Availability charges form part of the connection agreement between the distribution network operator (DNO) and the customer, this is a pass-through charge although the supplier invoices through the monthly / quarterly bill.

Suppliers cannot take any action to change this (unless they cut you off!)

It would be an interesting case to take to the Ombudsman I guess

 

In this case there is no connection agreement between the distribution company and the new occupier because the supplier never notified the distribution company. In light of what you have stated it may be worth SimonSmith challenging the supplier about the AC as the supplier never advised them about AC except to bill them for it.

I am fairly sure that suppliers are notified by the distribution company when AC is not been used and that the supplier is notified in writing on a regular basis and is requested to make changes.

[Surfer01]

If it is a deemed contract in place, such as a change of occupancy had occurred and the KVA was set at the previous occupier's level, the supplier should be informing the new occupier when opening the new account the level of KVA and the deemed rates, how to reduce the KVA etc.

 

I can only speak for the power company I work for but we send a special delivery letter to new companies taking over a premesis to advise of this.

 

There is no obligation for power companies to highlight this in the corporate market, as long as they can give you this information upon request

 

I am not sure if OP changed suppliers or has been with the same supplier since day one. I know someone who is an independent with a good track record who may be able to resolve the AC issue for the OP.

Proving that the supplier never notified the OP could be difficult even if a SAR was raised as I am not sure if a SAR will cover the duration of the supply. Even if the OP only gets back a portion it may be worth it.

Hopefully in the meantime the OP has requested the supplier to get the AC removed.