utilities bills

I didn’t know there was a set amount by the FOS that you could claim.  I’ve taken stuff to the ombudsman before and have been awarded compensation, never totted up to the hour how much time I spent complaining before but what I’ve always been awarded has been worth it, I’ve always gone away happy. 

Zosie said:

Geesch, how the other half live!!!

I'm paying £27 a month for gas and elec, I think it's £22+- a quarter for water. Mind you I do live like a porper.

I need to give npower hell this week.  I've complained several times now over the last 2 months about the online discounts they owe me which they agree they owe but haven't given me yet.  If they think by ignoring me I'm going away they're mistaken, I now want compensation for the time spent chasing it up and being messed around.  Which I will get!!!

I know your's is a utility issue but when you complain for fiancial/insurance issues to the FOS, you can reclaim £10 for each hour you spent on complaining + comp for distress. Mind you they only award the latter for a more significant concern occurred.

Hope that helps,

urspecial

Geesch, how the other half live!!!

I'm paying £27 a month for gas and elec, I think it's £22+- a quarter for water. Mind you I do live like a porper.

I need to give npower hell this week.  I've complained several times now over the last 2 months about the online discounts they owe me which they agree they owe but haven't given me yet.  If they think by ignoring me I'm going away they're mistaken, I now want compensation for the time spent chasing it up and being messed around.  Which I will get!!!

Well I have recieved snotty letter saying dwp won't change  their mind after keyworker spending hours and MP has offered to intervene.

Unless something occurs- truely stuffed.

Well we will soon see what occurs, maybe they will be compassionate as it says they can write off debts or a future repayment scheme on their website.

Stuffed said:

My experience is it takes little time for it to unravel-budgeting and social tariffs should be key advice

True,

In law they cannot stop your water supply if you do not pay your bills, as it is a necessity, not saying ellec + others aren't, but in law this is.

But, not to scare anyone, some water comps have been lying and saying well the property is empty, when it clearly isn't as they're allowed to cut supply off then. Some are also cutting the flow of water you get from your taps to a dirzzel (so for them, you get water for drinking etc but only in small amounts).

How on earth are supposed to have a bath - go down to your near council swimming baths/gym (if they're not closed by now )

Take Care,

urspecial

My experience is it takes little time for it to unravel-budgeting and social tariffs should be key advice

it is hard enough to normally keep your head above water on benefits but with autism it is becoming harder and harder...to cope with all the changes and increased costs... But no governmental institution nor the NAS gives a !!!!

Thanks the heating oil is cheaper than electric storage heaters that land lord changed from.

The problem is pre payment schemes are more expensive than spot buying best price.

At the moment it is all academic having zero income, lady at bank said I can have an overdraft which is cheaper than those nuts pay day loans.

Hi - we got a water meter installed.  Apparently they're cheaper unless you use a lot of water such as having a number of people in the house or a big house which might involve more cleaning etc).  Also if you have a medical condition you can send off a copy of your prescription + if it's on their list your bill is capped at about £350 pa.  Have a look online at your water co's site.  On mine there's a calculator to give you an estimate of your annual water bill if you switch to a meter. I don't know anything about your situation re. the other fuel bills, so cannot comment, apart from to say that costs keep rising relentlessly + oil is very expensive, as you know only too well.  I hope you can get useful help which will ease your worries soon.

Thank you for your kind words and moral support, 

I think you are being discriminated against, Stuffed. As a vulnerable adult, this should not be happening to you. Where are you NAS?

the social tarrif in my area from what I can find they automatically fit pre payment meter, with no means of paying it effectively I'd be sitting in dark and heating needs supply for timer etc to work.

I have 3 months breathing space as eletricity bill was just paid before my money was cut. 

I guess I could enquire or get Advocate or key worker to enquire without giving customer account details.

With regards to water bill, not to sure what happend as I explained zero income and how it happened with details of my key worker-I expected a lot of threats etc, but the lady didn't seem angry or keen to pursue me!

I'm not keen to call back immediately, until I have some news on my change of circumstances. 

Hi Stuffed,

Many of the utility compaines run grants for their customers.

For instance my water comapny runs a seperate charity for not only water bill help but for beds (basic and crap but better than nothing) and white goods.

Electric/gas comps offer social tarrifs but you need to call and ask for them. I thnik they'll assess your income etc and if you qualify tell you what they are. Compare this to what you're currently paying/comparision sites.

I'd persoanlly get back on the phone regarding the water comp, freezing your DD  

Hope that helps,

urspecial