I transferred to EDF on line for an on line tariff in February. The first item that gave me details of the tariff I had been put on was the invoice in July this told me I was on Standard Rate. I telephoned EDF customer services and was told there was nothing they could do and I would have to change supplier. Can I claim the difference between On Line rate and Standard rate from February until the new transfer goes through?

Tree2:

There are a few things that can be done. First of all, have you any record at all of the tariff that you selected online when you switched? For the benefit of others going forward always take a screen print because as Tree2 says automated switching and service confirmation emails may not specify the tariff being switched to.

[ This is my experience also. I switched to Scottish Power Dual Fuel NSC and one energy was switched to standing charge and one to NSC, not even a sellable combination. As it happenned I find Scottish Power quite good, if a bit slow, at resolving problems. (Problems emailed generate an auto-response so there is no escape for them if they don't respond) ]

I digress.

Two separate issues here. If you want to switch again go ahead and switch again, I assume to a different supplier, (remember the screen print this time). You say it's a standard tariff so there should be no tie-in. Anyway you'd only be doing what EDF Customer Services suggested.

Regarding your claim, go ahead and make the claim strictly in acordance with the EDF complaints procedure. If you remain dissastisfied after 8 weeks (I believe) you are entitled to ask the Energy Ombudsman to consider your complaint. That will cost you nothing but EDF a hefty case fee well in excess of your reasonable claim so they would be daft not to settle. Which is not the same as saying EDF Customer Service isn't daft.

Regarding the "nothing they could do" statement, I don't believe you were told the truth but that's not your problem.

Jalexa, very interesting what you said re Scot. Power - my initial switch over emails definitely said NSC for my fixed price deal last August but when I looked at my bills a few months ago I found that I was on the single fixed price, standing charge tariffs ( for both utilities).

However, when I input my usage figures I found that the difference in cost was miniscule and actually in my favour, so didn't bother with the hassle of contacting Customer Services re the error!!

Will probably switching anyway in 6 weeks.

BREWERDAVE1:

Will probably switching anyway in 6 weeks.

SP have a competitive fixed price tariff Online Energy Saver 5 waiting in the wings, but you might need to ask (insist) to switch to it in due course.

Jalexa, thanks, initial look at SP site suggests that plan will cost me £7 per month more ; Will have to look more closely at switching in a few weeks time - don't want to start the ball rolling too early and get "fined" by SP for leaving before 31st August!!