Taking Energy Company to Court

[emmabob79]

Hi there,

looking for for advice on how to take British Gas to court. Without going into war and peace here is issue in nutshell. With BG from May 16 to Feb 17 with no issue and bills correct.
Chabged to Sainsbury’s Energy in Feb 17 - who are run by BG. In June 17 after only 3 months of supply they billed me for £769! With no explanation...
we moved property in August 17 and I have been tried to sort ever since.
I have complained to ombudsman- got no where! Citizens Advice - can’t help as I’ve been to ombudsman
Although CA did advise that the meter was registered incorrectly so I was billed for someone else’s property as well as my own!
I have now overpaid by approximately £360 but they are STILL demanding more and I have debt collectors hassling me now.
BG have refused to talk to either CA or myself as they said ombudsman have ruled tough!
How do I take them to court now I have full statement of use for both companies?

Many thanks

[R0b]

Hello

So what was the outcome of the Ombudsman's decision, if you were charged £769 for three months' supply, why did they not uphold your complaint because that seems to be a hell of a lot of energy for three months, unless you have a somewhat large home.

Before you consider commencing legal proceedings I think you need to make sure you have all of your ducks in a row and you are able to counter any arguments they have. Did you take a meter reading at the time you moved in and when you moved out? Also, have you checked your credit file to see if there are any adverse markers on there by BG?

If you truly believe that you BG are in the wrong then you could also look at claiming harassment and seeking additional damages on top. Harassment claims alone are usually done under the Part 8 procedure which are usually reserved for matters that are not in substantial dispute, though you would not fall within the scope of the small claims track to protect you.

However, if you coupled a harassment claim with a money claim then I can't see anything that says you can't bring a normal claim and providing the damages are under £10k, your claim should be allocated to the small claims track and afford yourself some protection in the event that you lose as costs are limited. Or you could omit any damages for harassment and claim the overpayment.

It would probably be helpful to see the Ombudsman's decision (personal info redacted) in order to establish and understand your position.