Bulb - not the garden variety but an Energy Company

philippasmith2

I'm just wondering whether any of you have heard of Bulb Energy ?  I hadn't until recently and now find myself embroiled with them.
They apparently supplied the previous owner of my property but seem incapable of understanding my wish to use another supplier and registered an objection.  
After several emails/phone calls, I have finally managed to convince them that I do not wish to have them supply my electric - it will take them more than 3 weeks to effect a "switch".
I find that - well - quite amaaaazing
Story doesn't end there however - they now wish me to pay £180 plus for 30 days electric supply - they were given the meter reading when I bought the property and have estimated my usage at a whopping 39 kwh per day.  The true usage is 7.34.
I have no idea who lived here before and understand there were outstanding debts but how can anyone realistically consume that amount of electricity in one 24 hour period ?
Their customer service ( I use the term loosely ) leaves much to be desired - they are always going "to respond within 3 working days" but never do.
I'd be interested to know if anyone uses these people and how they have found them.
From my point of view, garden bulbs are a lot easier to deal with

Nanny Beach

Hi, Phillippa, been a long time!  Not much help here, but my sympathies, am embroiled in scenario with Scottish Power, after my energy supplier went bust last November, Ofgem put me with them, I had changed from them several years ago, (got economy 7, the put night and day readings the wrong way round, and took a staggering 9 months to sort it out) I still havent got any account with them, nothing set, up, many phone calls all telling me something different (same as last time) Already owe 3 months direct debits at the coldest and most expensive time of the year.  I want them to hurry up and give me an account so I can swap and get shot of them.  Good luck, let us know how you get on.

AnniD

This may be of some help @philippa smith2 , it gives you some info regarding making a complaint. Can't say l have ever heard of Bulb Energy, there are so many smaller suppliers who are now "going to the wall". 

Suesyn

They were talking to Bulb on You and Yours one day last week. Can't remember what was said but there is a podcast. My general impression was that they are one of the good guys, but I could be wrong. 

Fairygirl

Hi Philippa - I change my utilities/insurance etc regularly,and certainly do a search every year, as it's crazy not to do that. I have heard of Bulb, but don't know anyone who's with them. I'm currently with Octopus, who are a small company, and they've been good so far - best price for my area, andmost importantly - no exit fees if you leave early. That's something I always look for.
All of them are capable of being useless though, and I had a bad experience of First Utility when I moved here 6 years ago - threats to be taken to court etc as I apparently 'owed them money'. They actually owed me money.
I always advise people, if they ask me, to take a photo pf their meter readings, and to keep track of every payment. Many companies insist on a monthly reading too, but if they don't,just take one. That way, you have a record of it all, and a solid case if anything goes wrong. 
You can report them as well. i'd certainly make them aware of that, and that you're seekinglegal action against themif they don't get their act together.
If you have the new meter reading from when you moved in [along with all the proof that you're the new owner ] the new supplier gives the old one that, and they can only bill you for what you've used. If the previous owner didn't pay them, that's not your problem, no matter what they say. They're 'at it'. Stand your ground. 

UpNorth

Phillipa, you won't be able to conclude with 'Bulb' until your new company 'switch date' is agreed and a meter reading going to them.  THEN and only then will Bulb be able to do the calculation of exactly what you used whilst with them.    my advice then is to keep a record for years (yes years) that you definitely paid them....for reasons i won't bore you with but it was a right old pain for us.

I moved and had the same problem.  because many moons back you would essentially take your supplier with you.  whereas it seems for quite a long time now, the 'normal' is that you inherit the supplier at your new house until you switch away.

philippasmith2

Thanks to all of you for answering.
I did receive an email from a Bulb "Energy Specialist" this am.  No apologies, no explanations but at least they will accept my meter readings.
I still find it weird that they could have estimated a usage of 39 kwh per day - half the power points in the house don't work anyway but even so..............!!  No wonder they are having debt problems.
At the risk of being anal retentive, I always keep a check on my power usage - for both my own interest and keeping within my budget - usually on a 2 week basis.
Remains to be seen whether or not they will respond to my complaint re their lack of contact and why they are unable to affect a quicker change of supplier.
Perhaps I'm just being particularly grumpy - no surprise there then

Loxley

I'm with Bulb, I've found them actually pretty good to deal with other than they don't do smart meters (yet). Everything has been dealt with via email or live chat. In fact I could save a few quid if I switched but having had issues with energy companies in the past decided to stay with them.