Tuesday, 28 July 2009

Bad billing for energy suppliers

posted by debts.org at 00:16

A consumer company has recently found that energy companies are the worst culprits when it comes to sending wrong bills to customers.

Over 9 million households have received at least one inaccurate energy bill during the past two years, and 6 million of these reported receiving more than one inaccurate bill during the same period of time.

Millions of customers were told unexpectedly they owed money to their energy supplier, due to a discrepancy between the estimated bill and the actual meter reading. Instances of incorrect bills being sent to customers by energy companies has increased over the past 12 months. If you are in debt after overpaying energy bills, contact debts.org for free help and advice.
Correspondence and billing

Power companies have also shown to make more mistakes than banks, councils, water companies and even HM Revenue and Customs when it comes to correspondence and billing. Ann Robinson (not that one), from uSwitch.com, said: “The energy industry´s reputation for accuracy is suffering because it is still relying on an estimated billing system. Not only can this leave people out of pocket but it can also damage their confidence in their supplier.”
The survey consulted nearly 2,400 UK energy customers, and the average amount of time it took to sort out billing problems was 2 months – far too long if someone has been grossly overcharged through no fault of his own. Figures also showed communications companies, including providers of broadband, telephones and digital televisions are now ranked third for inaccuracy. The DVLA were among companies offering the most accurate correspondence. Debts.org will give you guidance and free helpful advice about how to reclaim your overpaid electricity bills.

Energy suppliers to make it easier

Customers are being asked to do more to ensure they receive an accurate bill, and it has become easier for customers to phone in, e-mail or text their latest meter readings. New smart meters should also help with discrepancies between actual and estimated bills. If you are suffering debt problems already, you should contact debts.org who can help arrange you a debt management plan or help to claim money back for your overpaid energy bills.

According to uSwitch.com: “Suppliers are starting to get the message across to consumers that it is in their best interests to supply up-to-date meter readings. This will go some way to improving accuracy and changing consumer perception.”

Labels: bad billing, bill, energy bills