8th August 2017

Have you ever been to electric shadyland

In May I switched my gas and electricity supplier from Scottish Power to Affect Energy. Affect is shown on many comparison sites, with good reviews and prices but at the time of my switch decision the actual switch process had to be done direct with Affect.

This process was pretty simple. Technology was hard at work, e-mail confirmation came through on the 30^th April and the switch for gas and ‘lecky’ scheduled for the 17^th May.

Then something very strange stated to happen. The ‘lecky’ part of my dual fuel switch had been subjected to an ‘objection’ from another supplier on the 22^nd May. After some investigation it became clear that N Power, a firm I have never had any dealings with, had objected to the switch. 

It has taken from May until now to unravel.  

Affect advised me that this is a ‘regular occurrence’ and with this in mind I decided to contact N Power.

The reason (excuse) given was that this ‘very rare’ occurrence was due to a mistaken meter number. This seems at odds with all that goes with utility supply. How can a meter number, not linked to my address, name or bank details result in N Power trying to grab me as a customer?

To date I have had no explanation that makes sense. Ofgem is not interested and as a regulator makes the FCA look fantastically consumer driven.

I would be very interested to know if anyone out there has suffered the same problems with the pain of switching energy supplier. It has highlighted what is potentially a fraud at worst or pretty bad sales and marketing practice at best. 

And 3 months of my time lost, and that of Affect, who have been fantastic, to unravel the whole mess. 

Excuse me while I kiss the sky

Regulation, Panacea Comment