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Getting credit repaid by previous energy providers?

(11 Posts)
MamaCaz Sun 14-Jan-18 20:03:15

"If you've switched energy in the last six years and were in credit, some providers operated a "don't ask, don't get" policy. So ask now."

Have any of you tried, or managed, to reclaim unrefunded credit from past energy suppliers? If so, do you have any advice on how best to do it?

I have heard this mentioned several times by Martin Lewis, and am thinking of ringing the last four suppliers I had (going back about 9 years), and suspect that one could well have held on to our credit, as some money I thought we might get back never materialized, but at the time I assumed that I must have miscalculated!

I no longer have any old paperwork with account numbers on, but as we haven't moved house in that time, I presume our address alone should be enough for them to run a check. It's something of a miracle that I was able to find our old cash books (we keep a running tally of all that goes in and out of our bank account) that showed what utility companies we had been with and when, so at least I have a starting point.

MissAdventure Sun 14-Jan-18 20:16:08

Has the money saving expect site got any advice on how to go about it? Makes you wonder how much is unclaimed in over payments, doesn't it? I have never given it a thought!

MissAdventure Sun 14-Jan-18 20:16:46

Oh! Expert! Not expect. hmm

mcem Sun 14-Jan-18 20:20:50

Yes I have had refunds twice in this situation.
There should be help on the website.
If that isn't useful, there must be a contact phone number.
Last month a small credit was paid directly into my bank account.

MamaCaz Sun 14-Jan-18 20:24:06

The site I have looked at seems to say the same as Martin Lewis, which is simply to phone the companies. I get a bit nervous on the phone and try to overcome it by being very well prepared in advance, which is why I would appreciate any advice any of you might have to offer smile

cornergran Sun 14-Jan-18 21:22:50

Most have an email contact mamac, perhaps that would be the easier route for you? You would also have a copy of your message and any email reply in case you need to challenge anything. It’s certainly worth doing. Good luck.

humptydumpty Sun 14-Jan-18 21:53:39

Mama I'm like you when phoning, just make sure you already have your account details, and preferably be logged in to your account when you ring.

Anniepops Sun 14-Jan-18 22:20:42

I have just had to chase up my previous energy supplier about credit they are holding. I am really cross that I am the one who had to pester them to receive the final bill after changing supplier, which they eventually did, following three e- mail requests. They then made no mention of paying out the credit owing and once again I had to get in touch. Two more e- mails later and they tell me the money has been forwarded to my account but could take up to ten working days for me to see it in my account. Still waiting! Should I request interest too, ha,ha?

Teetime Mon 15-Jan-18 09:13:28

We change our supplier every few years and always get the bill squared up. we are with Octopus now and their billing system and price is very good. The electricity is a bit watery!!! LOL!!! smile

maryeliza54 Mon 15-Jan-18 09:37:31

I’m like Teetime I square up each time I change. NPower were the slowest. That said I’ve been with EON for a while now as I’ve found them excellent - not the very cheapest but have a good website where you can easily change the amount you want to pay each month. If you are going back a while and haven’t got all the details I imagine it might be hard to sort it all out.Going forward , now many of us have smart phones, you can take a photo of the meters reading on the date you change as it will also have the date on it.

MamaCaz Mon 15-Jan-18 12:48:06

This is statement from moneysavingexpert.com:
"We don't think there's a time limit for claims. Having said that, it's easier within the last six years."

I don't hold out much hope as we left the one I think might have hung on to our credit nearly ten years ago. Even so, I reckon it is worth a try and I have managed to send emails to all our suppliers since then asking the same question. There's nothing to lose by trying.

If I have any success, I will let you all know.