|
|
 |
| |
It pays to check bills
• ARE you sure you know to whom you now pay for your gas and electricity supplies?
A number of pensioners I have asked did not know. Mainly because, when these services were privatised, at various times, customers were obliged to choose between them all, while they advertised competitive offers. Now, months or even years later, many customers have forgotten which company they selected.
My own experience should serve as a warning if you don’t regularly scrutinise your bank statements and check your direct debit payments. Reluctant though I was to change from my previous monopoly suppliers, British Gas and British Electricity, I did so when one company proposed supplying both.
It seemed probably sensible to check both meters at the same time, with resulting economy both to the supplier and the consumer, from which both could benefit. So I did so, but I did not specify the takeover date, as I presumed the companies involved would arrange this between them, while I was anxious that there should be no gap in my supplies.
Months later, I discovered that my previous supplier, Midlands Gas, and the company which took over, Powergen had both been regularly charging me for their supplies.
Investigating the duplication proved difficult. Companies had changed names due to takeovers or mergers. Midlands Gas was untraceable since it had been taken over by npower. Eventually, I was able to reclaim £110 due to the suppliers’ billing overlap over many months. Now alerted, I am contesting another similar case.
My own query and complaint was dealt with efficiently by Energywatch, so I strongly recommend others to investigate their energy suppliers’ bills and contact Energywatch about any queries.
ANGELA SINCLAIR Islington Pensioners’ Forum |
 |
| |
|
|
|
