I wonder if anyone could advise..
I got a letter from my landlord today which says I must change from Scottish Gas for my gas and electric to Scottish Hydro Electric
The letter reads: “in the interest of utility management we are proposing to transfer all our properties to Scottish Hydro Electric giving you the opportunity to save money on your energy bills and simplifying the settling of your bills when you vacate.”
I have pre-pay meters so will not get a bill, and I am cannot imagine I’d save too much. In fact I have spoken to Scottish Gas and they say I would end up paying almost 10% more (although I accept that they WOULD say that).
The letter states that I must fill in the Scottish Hydro Electric Energy Transfer Request form “as a matter of urgency”.
Is this legal? Do I HAVE to transfer? I have had great customer service from Scottish Gas in the past and tbh I don’t like my landlord telling me who I can and can’t use as utility suppliers.
Full Version: Landlord Demands Change In Utlility Supplier
QUOTE (Sulaco @ Jan 5 2008, 01:25 PM) 
I wonder if anyone could advise..
I got a letter from my landlord today which says I must change from Scottish Gas for my gas and electric to Scottish Hydro Electric
The letter reads: “in the interest of utility management we are proposing to transfer all our properties to Scottish Hydro Electric giving you the opportunity to save money on your energy bills and simplifying the settling of your bills when you vacate.”
I have pre-pay meters so will not get a bill, and I am cannot imagine I’d save too much. In fact I have spoken to Scottish Gas and they say I would end up paying almost 10% more (although I accept that they WOULD say that).
The letter states that I must fill in the Scottish Hydro Electric Energy Transfer Request form “as a matter of urgency”.
Is this legal? Do I HAVE to transfer? I have had great customer service from Scottish Gas in the past and tbh I don’t like my landlord telling me who I can and can’t use as utility suppliers.
I got a letter from my landlord today which says I must change from Scottish Gas for my gas and electric to Scottish Hydro Electric
The letter reads: “in the interest of utility management we are proposing to transfer all our properties to Scottish Hydro Electric giving you the opportunity to save money on your energy bills and simplifying the settling of your bills when you vacate.”
I have pre-pay meters so will not get a bill, and I am cannot imagine I’d save too much. In fact I have spoken to Scottish Gas and they say I would end up paying almost 10% more (although I accept that they WOULD say that).
The letter states that I must fill in the Scottish Hydro Electric Energy Transfer Request form “as a matter of urgency”.
Is this legal? Do I HAVE to transfer? I have had great customer service from Scottish Gas in the past and tbh I don’t like my landlord telling me who I can and can’t use as utility suppliers.
This is not legal. They cannot make you use a particular supplier. If it is in your contract it would be deemed an unfair term. Of course, there is nothing to stop them getting annoyed at you and booting you out when your AST is up...but sounds to me as if you would be better off with a different LL.
Not legal, and very naughty.
Are you with an agent by any chance? Things could be getting tight and they could be on commission.
Are you with an agent by any chance? Things could be getting tight and they could be on commission.
It is unfair yes and the OFT also agree with you see
http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/reports/u...erms/oft356.pdf
But pre-pay meters are a bit of a grey area because you do not hold a contract with the electricity provider as you would if you were on account.
If you intend to stay in the property for any period of time and have a good credit rating I would almost certainly switch to normal meter, you pay through the nose for pre-pay energy like about 30% more!!!
Other than that there is nothing the LL can do to , either just ignore it or if you don't care and it doesn't mean you have to do anything, keep the LL happy and let him change it....
http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/reports/u...erms/oft356.pdf
But pre-pay meters are a bit of a grey area because you do not hold a contract with the electricity provider as you would if you were on account.
If you intend to stay in the property for any period of time and have a good credit rating I would almost certainly switch to normal meter, you pay through the nose for pre-pay energy like about 30% more!!!
Other than that there is nothing the LL can do to , either just ignore it or if you don't care and it doesn't mean you have to do anything, keep the LL happy and let him change it....
He can't do that anymore than he can insist that you buy all your food and clothes from M & S. 
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