FIRST UTILITY - Nightmare - Please Help

[G Jones]

We have had a similar scenario:

1. Incorrect Bills Received for over 10 months - requested detailed bills (no joy!).

2. Moved Address 8 months ago - gave them end readings (still no joy!).

3. Placed Formal Complaints to FU numerous times - ignored - still no joy!.

4. Telephoned numerous times - no joy.

5. Received Excel spreadsheet - produced by FU staff member giving incorrect bill which highlighted FU changed our tariff without informing us - with electricity rising 146.5%

6. FU are still producing estimated bills, monthly since Sep 2013.

7. Complained to Energy Ombudsman - awaiting a decision.

 

Ours initial complaint has been going on for over 16 months now but here is the good parts:

 

1. As it is over 8 weeks from the complaint - FU compensation should be between £100 - £200 if you read their procedures.

2. Expecting the Ombudsman to find in our favour & instruct FU to reduce by another £150.

3. This does not clear the FU estimated billing amount but here's the killer: They cannot (by law) bill for any amount over 12 months old therefore the longer it is in dispute, the lower the bill gets. If it continues as it is - in 4 month time they cannot request a penny.

My advice to FU customers getting stiffed is to stop any Direct Debits asap and only pay by invoiced itemised bills. Place in a formal complaint as soon as you can.

Let FU continue to act in a slow, unprofessional manner to resolve your issue, don't chase them, employ delaying tactics if you wish and await them sweating as it nears the 12 month period. FU to FU

[ericsbrother]

I think you will find that back billing is for errore not spotted for over a year so you will not be in the clear for all of this but it will be difficult for FU to claim more than you admit you owe.

[rebel11]

Hi G Jones

 

Welcome to CAG

 

It might be an idea to remove all the 'smiles', as it is very distracting.

[mikeymack2002]

The easiest way to get all your bills from day one is a Subject Access Request, this cost a tenner, then go through them all check amounts paid against amounts they received you maybe surprised at the difference you find

 

 

MM