Opus Energy - Beware

[DavidWord]

Our company switched to Opus Energy in Nov 2012 for a 12-month contract. The tariff was good at (something like 9 pence/kWh). In August 2013 we received a letter telling us the fixed contract was ending in Nov 2013, and if we didn't respond within 30 days, the contract would be automatically for another 12 months. I was away from teh office at the time. We were told the new contract details were overleaf. This was followed by paragraphs about where does your electricity come from? renewable sources, £10 off for ebilling, smartmeters, etc. The last line on page 2, stated the unit price of 17.69 p per kWh. No mention of the previous unit price, no mention of the percentage increase (ca 80%). Yes, we were too trusting, yes, we should have checked, but we felt we were dealing with a reputable company (like us) who would treat their customers fairly. Opus Energy appear to be deliberately attracting new custom, then sneaking out punitive increases on the unwary. Opus refused to justify their increase and are currently trying to hold us to the 2nd year contract providing which will end providing we give 90 days’ notice.

The government's policy of opening up the utilities market to make it more competitive is to be applauded, but at the same time it has to prevent unscrupulous companies like Opus Energy from taking advantage of consumers. A search on Google reveals this company has many, many dissatisfied customers, so buyer beware.

[rebel11]

Hi David

 

Welcome to CAG

 

I'm sure there's quite a bit you can do about it. Have you taken any steps regards complaining to Opus Energy, external agencies?

 

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/domestic-consumers/making-enquiry-or-complaint

 

http://www.ombudsman-services.org/energy.html

 

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland/consumer_s/consumer_protection_for_the_consumer_e/consumer_contracts_s/unfair_terms_in_consumer_contracts.htm

[DavidWord]

Hi rebel11

 

Thanks for this. We will follow these up and see where they lead.

[rebel11]

Let us no what happens, if you need further input just ask.

 

Hi rebel11

 

Thanks for this. We will follow these up and see where they lead.

[DavidWord]

Will do. Thanks.

[rebel11]

Opus Energy

 

Mr Charlie Crossley-Cooke

 

Chief Executive

Opus Energy

 

[email protected]

 

Send him a Formal Letter of Complaint, mark it as such.

CC: Trading Standards in on the letter.

 

Give him the opportunity to resolve your issues.

[DavidWord]

Update 11/03/14

Opus has contacted us saying they want to resolve this amicably (fair enough) and have suggested we get alternative quotations for the electricity supply which they will consider. We have tried to get quotations but as soon as we give details, they know we are potentially tied into a contract until November 2104 and they decline to provide a quotation. Does anyone have any advice on how we can get a comparative quotation? In the meantime we have suggested a price per unit based on what appears to be the market average, but Opus has gone very quiet on this.

[rebel11]

Hi DavidWord

 

Are there businesses near you who have lower quotes from other suppliers? or garnish quotes by saying your thinking of setting up a new business, you need a quotation so you can factor that into your business plan.

 

Update 11/03/14

Opus has contacted us saying they want to resolve this amicably (fair enough) and have suggested we get alternative quotations for the electricity supply which they will consider. We have tried to get quotations but as soon as we give details, they know we are potentially tied into a contract until November 2104 and they decline to provide a quotation. Does anyone have any advice on how we can get a comparative quotation? In the meantime we have suggested a price per unit based on what appears to be the market average, but Opus has gone very quiet on this.

[DavidWord]

Hi Rebel

 

 

Opus has offered us 11.49p per kWh (up from 9.49, but well down from the 17.69p we were automatically enrolled into). I am inclined to go with this until the end of the contract. Thanks for you help and inputs; much appreciated.

[rebel11]

Hi DavidWord

 

Well Done, as long as your happy, any room for further negotiation?

 

Hi Rebel

 

 

Opus has offered us 11.49p per kWh (up from 9.49, but well down from the 17.69p we were automatically enrolled into). I am inclined to go with this until the end of the contract. Thanks for you help and inputs; much appreciated.