howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#1
courtesy of the telegraph.
New figures from Moneysupermarket.com show that the potential cost of these "ghost customers" adds £123 to the annual tariffs of millions of households.
The research revealed that almost a million customers had moved out of a property without settling their energy bill. It is thought that many of these "ghosts" live in rented accommodation and simply do not register with a new provider, so the gas is effectively billed to the previous tenant who then - quite legally - refuses to pay.
In addition, some people claim they have been unable to identify their supplier, thanks to frequent changes.
The additional cost borne by the supplier is then passed onto its customer base.
Scott Byrom, the utilities manager at comparison site Moneysupermarket.com, said the problem was getting worse - problems in the housing market have led to growing numbers of renters, as fewer people can save the deposit necessary to get on the property ladder.
but as he pointed out, anyone renting should check their bills carefully to ensure they aren't paying for previous tenants.
"If you've recently moved into a property, it's worth checking with your estate agent or rental agent about the details of the existing gas and electricity supplier for the property," said Mr Byrom.
"It is worth contacting the supplier with a meter reading from the day you move in to ensure you don't end up paying for someone else's bills. If you need proof of the date, you can obtain a written letter from the estate agent or previous landlord."
For those customers who are unsure which companies are supplying their energy, neglecting to register can mean a hefty bill.
A supplier can charge you retrospectively for the past 12 months of energy used - at current prices this means customers could be hit with a bill of £1,390.
Guest 710- Registered: 28 Feb 2011
- Posts: 6,950
#2
Presumably, a supplier cannot charge 'you' for 12 months supply if you can prove the length of your occupation is less than that.
For those who's occupation and usage exceeds 12 months they then get months 13, 14 etc. foc? Any balance to be met by the landlord or their agent?
Did energy supply companies not foresee this when they improved their service by all but eliminating meter reading?
The talk of, "potential cost" set beside the actual cost of £123 millions to a million/ £1,230 millions to 10s of millions/ £12,300 millions to 100s of millions of reasonable customers makes it look like money for old rope.
If the 'industry' were to be again in National hands all this ghost-accounting would be replaced with effort. Hence why the Private Sector looks so good ON PAPER.
Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#3
a hell of a lot of money to be shafted for.
i have always booked meter readings for when i have moved anywhere.
a morning reading for the property being vacated and an afternoon one for the new one.
i am surprised that not everyone does that.
#4
I can't see how Utilities being Government owned would change anything since they are unable even to sort out Income Tax; and all busy shafting us for their expenses anyway.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#5
Unnecessary posting.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
#6
Well said Diana.