Gas transfer dispute

[seaweasel]

When we moved into our new flat in May, we changed our gas supplier from the existing one (ScottishPower) to the supplier we had in our old flat (HydroElectric). Basically, they've been arguing over who's been supplying our gas, with HydroElectic claiming they took over the supply in July, and ScottishPower claiming that they still supply it. After phoning both of them various times it was supposed to have been resolved, however a few weeks ago we got another bill from ScottishPower. In effect, we're being billed by two companies for the same supply.

 

I wrote to both of them saying that we considered both accounts to be in dispute and that we expected the balances to be frozen until this was resolved. I gave them two weeks to sort it out saying that subsequently I'd pass the matter on to energywatch and Trading Standards.

 

I still haven't heard from HE (just got home after being away for a week) and I got a letter from SP on the 13th saying that they were waiting on a final meter reading from HE and I also got a bill reminder dated the 22nd from them demanding payment within 5 days.

 

Both call centres are closed today of course but I wanted to get some advice about my next move. I clearly stated that we considered both account to be in dispute as the matter is between HE and SP, and that we refused to pay two suppliers for our gas.

 

Am I right in thinking that neither can demand payment at the moment? Can I threaten SP with a court injunction? I'm going to speak to energywatch and Trading Standards but they won't be available until the middle of the week and I'd like to get a letter off ASAP.

 

Thanks.

[buzby]

SP are faceless and uncaring, so every communication should be in writing. You will have received a contract of service from HE, so clearly you have to pay one or the other - you cannot hold off paying. If you contracted HE, pay their bills and tell SP to sort it out with their competitor as you're clearly not inclined to deal with them.

[seaweasel]

Spoke to energywatch yesterday, both the HE and SP call centres were closed on the 2nd so I phoned them back today and they're getting in touch with both suppliers. I also spoke to SP to let them know that energywatch were going to be contacting them and they've marked my account as being in dispute so I don't get hassled for payment. The guy was quite helpful actually and also said he'd try and get some information from the gas transportation people to try and clear things up.

[buzby]

Good. EW are not perfect by any means, so don't use them as a crutch. See where the renewed communications lead to, and keep us posted!

[MARTIN3030]

They may not be perfect and not the quickest in the world,but they sorted out issues for me with both Scottish power and British Gas in a matter of weeks.

Energywatch achieved this after I had tried for 3 years !!!