Billing issues
I started using E.ON when I moved house - my direct debit payments were higher than needed to cover bills but, despite being on a smart meter, by April, when bills usually decrease, they had allowed me to build up over £700 in credit. When I asked about being repaid, I was told that wasn’t possible and was offered a three month ‘bill holiday’, which still proved less than the excess I had paid.
I moved house again and once again found myself with E.ON. After my previous experience, I declined getting a smart meter and this time my direct debit payment underestimated usage, leaving me in debt after four months. I was gradually paying this back each month when I received a demand for an immediate payment of £526, even though the amount I owed was £326. At the same time, I was asked to increase my monthly payments to £173, far more than my normal monthly bills.
I decided to pay the £326 and find another provider, which I’ve now done. It just strikes me that the company’s billing policies are very much tilted in their favour - happy to allow customers to build up credit, very quick to insist that debts are settled and not willing to listen to customers in agreeing reasonable monthly payment levels. Anytime I have raised this over the phone I’m advised to get a smart meter but I tried that and it didn’t turn out well.
I’d give a rating of 1 but the staff on the phone have always been friendly and helpful - I suspect the problem lies higher up the food chain and with the need to please investors.
January 1, 2025
Unprompted review