Not very happy with energy supplier...
29 December 2009, 01:20 PM
#1
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Doncaster, S. Yorks.
Posts: 21,415
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not very happy with energy supplier...
... or should that be Experian.
Asked a little while ago about coming off pre-payment meters onto direct debit or quarterly bills. The general concesous on here was direct debit seems cheaper. After calling my supplier for gas & electric (Southern Electric) it seems I needed a credit check assessment through Experian before I could come off the meters. Now Southern Electric claim their unit charges etc. are the same throughout their range of products, but you do save 5% for simply being on direct debit. 'Sign me up' I said as any saving in my current financial situation is better than a kick in the *****.
They did the check and it seemed all went well on the phone. Just received a letter through the post from Southern Electric telling me I CANNOT come off pre payment meters as my credit check failed miserably. To be fair I'm not suprised that much that I failed it (although I was told it was a very simple check and not indepth what so ever), but I am pissed off as I'm now stuck on a product I don't wish to be on. I rang up and was told the same thing as the letter - that I can apply again in 3 months. Up until then I HAVE TO stay on pre payment meters.
Sorry but it kinda stinks to me. Since seeking help from the Citizens Advice Bureau 18 months ago, I have agreed (and maintain) payment plans to any outstanding creditors. There are official agreements in place and I meet these agreements every month (for the record it's one loan and one credit card).
So my only option now is to try push through with a grant for some home insulation and try save money that way. Comes across to me (and I grant you that I am annoyed and not currently thinking rationally) that it's a catch 22 situation with repards pre payment meters.
Before finishing on the phone I asked what would be the case if I were to swap suppliers for my electricity and gas supply. As expected I was told they all have to do the same check now, so I am literally stuck. A cold house, high bills and a bald head - Happy New Year
Rant over
Asked a little while ago about coming off pre-payment meters onto direct debit or quarterly bills. The general concesous on here was direct debit seems cheaper. After calling my supplier for gas & electric (Southern Electric) it seems I needed a credit check assessment through Experian before I could come off the meters. Now Southern Electric claim their unit charges etc. are the same throughout their range of products, but you do save 5% for simply being on direct debit. 'Sign me up' I said as any saving in my current financial situation is better than a kick in the *****.
They did the check and it seemed all went well on the phone. Just received a letter through the post from Southern Electric telling me I CANNOT come off pre payment meters as my credit check failed miserably. To be fair I'm not suprised that much that I failed it (although I was told it was a very simple check and not indepth what so ever), but I am pissed off as I'm now stuck on a product I don't wish to be on. I rang up and was told the same thing as the letter - that I can apply again in 3 months. Up until then I HAVE TO stay on pre payment meters.
Sorry but it kinda stinks to me. Since seeking help from the Citizens Advice Bureau 18 months ago, I have agreed (and maintain) payment plans to any outstanding creditors. There are official agreements in place and I meet these agreements every month (for the record it's one loan and one credit card).
So my only option now is to try push through with a grant for some home insulation and try save money that way. Comes across to me (and I grant you that I am annoyed and not currently thinking rationally) that it's a catch 22 situation with repards pre payment meters.
Before finishing on the phone I asked what would be the case if I were to swap suppliers for my electricity and gas supply. As expected I was told they all have to do the same check now, so I am literally stuck. A cold house, high bills and a bald head - Happy New Year
Rant over
29 December 2009, 04:14 PM
#5
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Doncaster, S. Yorks.
Posts: 21,415
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Will keep an eye out though as could save some $$$ 
29 December 2009, 04:25 PM
#6
Credit records are held for individuals, you may well show up on your other half's credit record especially if you have any form of joint credit (mortgage etc.) but I don't think it shows your credit history, I certainly can't see my wife's on my Experian credit report although she is listed as an "associated person"
29 December 2009, 05:18 PM
#7
SN Fairy Godmother
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Far Far Away
Posts: 35,246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
... or should that be Experian.
Asked a little while ago about coming off pre-payment meters onto direct debit or quarterly bills. The general concesous on here was direct debit seems cheaper. After calling my supplier for gas & electric (Southern Electric) it seems I needed a credit check assessment through Experian before I could come off the meters. Now Southern Electric claim their unit charges etc. are the same throughout their range of products, but you do save 5% for simply being on direct debit. 'Sign me up' I said as any saving in my current financial situation is better than a kick in the *****.
They did the check and it seemed all went well on the phone. Just received a letter through the post from Southern Electric telling me I CANNOT come off pre payment meters as my credit check failed miserably. To be fair I'm not suprised that much that I failed it (although I was told it was a very simple check and not indepth what so ever), but I am pissed off as I'm now stuck on a product I don't wish to be on. I rang up and was told the same thing as the letter - that I can apply again in 3 months. Up until then I HAVE TO stay on pre payment meters.
Sorry but it kinda stinks to me. Since seeking help from the Citizens Advice Bureau 18 months ago, I have agreed (and maintain) payment plans to any outstanding creditors. There are official agreements in place and I meet these agreements every month (for the record it's one loan and one credit card).
So my only option now is to try push through with a grant for some home insulation and try save money that way. Comes across to me (and I grant you that I am annoyed and not currently thinking rationally) that it's a catch 22 situation with repards pre payment meters.
Before finishing on the phone I asked what would be the case if I were to swap suppliers for my electricity and gas supply. As expected I was told they all have to do the same check now, so I am literally stuck. A cold house, high bills and a bald head - Happy New Year
Rant over
Asked a little while ago about coming off pre-payment meters onto direct debit or quarterly bills. The general concesous on here was direct debit seems cheaper. After calling my supplier for gas & electric (Southern Electric) it seems I needed a credit check assessment through Experian before I could come off the meters. Now Southern Electric claim their unit charges etc. are the same throughout their range of products, but you do save 5% for simply being on direct debit. 'Sign me up' I said as any saving in my current financial situation is better than a kick in the *****.
They did the check and it seemed all went well on the phone. Just received a letter through the post from Southern Electric telling me I CANNOT come off pre payment meters as my credit check failed miserably. To be fair I'm not suprised that much that I failed it (although I was told it was a very simple check and not indepth what so ever), but I am pissed off as I'm now stuck on a product I don't wish to be on. I rang up and was told the same thing as the letter - that I can apply again in 3 months. Up until then I HAVE TO stay on pre payment meters.
Sorry but it kinda stinks to me. Since seeking help from the Citizens Advice Bureau 18 months ago, I have agreed (and maintain) payment plans to any outstanding creditors. There are official agreements in place and I meet these agreements every month (for the record it's one loan and one credit card).
So my only option now is to try push through with a grant for some home insulation and try save money that way. Comes across to me (and I grant you that I am annoyed and not currently thinking rationally) that it's a catch 22 situation with repards pre payment meters.
Before finishing on the phone I asked what would be the case if I were to swap suppliers for my electricity and gas supply. As expected I was told they all have to do the same check now, so I am literally stuck. A cold house, high bills and a bald head - Happy New Year
Rant over
Sounds like they may be pulling a fast one. I would kick them into touch as fast as possible. They are all scrapping for business so get phoning the other suppliers and be up front with them.
Also, don't be frightened to nag for the grant, especially in this weather.
Good luck
Trending Topics
29 December 2009, 06:18 PM
#8
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The reason a credit check is carried out is because you would be going on to a credit meter. That means you can use electricity/gas and then be billed for it hence why its called a credit meter because its "energy on credit".
The fact that you elect to pay by direct debit makes no difference because you can cancel that at any time with your bank (or the bank might be bouncing it, if the accounts in an unauthorised position) and the energy company can't force you to then pay monthly up front.
Like with mortgages, people who are unable to manage their finances don't usually get the best interest rates because they are a higher risk to lend to.
The fact that you elect to pay by direct debit makes no difference because you can cancel that at any time with your bank (or the bank might be bouncing it, if the accounts in an unauthorised position) and the energy company can't force you to then pay monthly up front.
Like with mortgages, people who are unable to manage their finances don't usually get the best interest rates because they are a higher risk to lend to.
29 December 2009, 06:38 PM
#9
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (22)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Doncaster, S. Yorks.
Posts: 21,415
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The reason a credit check is carried out is because you would be going on to a credit meter. That means you can use electricity/gas and then be billed for it hence why its called a credit meter because its "energy on credit".
The fact that you elect to pay by direct debit makes no difference because you can cancel that at any time with your bank (or the bank might be bouncing it, if the accounts in an unauthorised position) and the energy company can't force you to then pay monthly up front.
Like with mortgages, people who are unable to manage their finances don't usually get the best interest rates because they are a higher risk to lend to.
The fact that you elect to pay by direct debit makes no difference because you can cancel that at any time with your bank (or the bank might be bouncing it, if the accounts in an unauthorised position) and the energy company can't force you to then pay monthly up front.
Like with mortgages, people who are unable to manage their finances don't usually get the best interest rates because they are a higher risk to lend to.
House is cold, but we're playing Wii sports so warming up
29 December 2009, 09:13 PM
#14
Super Muppet
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Inside out
Posts: 33,364
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cheers chap and may i suggest you buying something from dewline ? sleeping bags
Mountain Equipment Dewline Sleeping Bag - Only £129.95 - Cave and Crag
Or start watching bear grylls
Mountain Equipment Dewline Sleeping Bag - Only £129.95 - Cave and Crag
Or start watching bear grylls
Last edited by Jamie; 29 December 2009 at 09:16 PM. Reason: spolling
29 December 2009, 09:28 PM
#15
SN Fairy Godmother
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Far Far Away
Posts: 35,246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The reason a credit check is carried out is because you would be going on to a credit meter. That means you can use electricity/gas and then be billed for it hence why its called a credit meter because its "energy on credit".
The fact that you elect to pay by direct debit makes no difference because you can cancel that at any time with your bank (or the bank might be bouncing it, if the accounts in an unauthorised position) and the energy company can't force you to then pay monthly up front.
Like with mortgages, people who are unable to manage their finances don't usually get the best interest rates because they are a higher risk to lend to.
The fact that you elect to pay by direct debit makes no difference because you can cancel that at any time with your bank (or the bank might be bouncing it, if the accounts in an unauthorised position) and the energy company can't force you to then pay monthly up front.
Like with mortgages, people who are unable to manage their finances don't usually get the best interest rates because they are a higher risk to lend to.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post