Economy Energy
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Should not be allowed to continue trading!
Unfortunately I am joining the ever increasing number of reviews condemning the business practice of this energy company. Like everyone else, they came across as cheap for energy, but even though I was well in credit (after Winter no less), they decided to increase the direct debit. I disputed this and they agreed to freeze it, but would not reduce it, even though the credit was increasing with each bill. Their website is simply a mess, whoever is responsible for building it has little in the way of web development skills, it's constantly in the beta stage. Submitting metre readings is basically a pointless exercise and even if you provide them by phone, you still get an estimated bill each time. At the end of my 12 month term I immediately switched provider and gave them final metre readings, which they then submitted to EE. But I had to get in touch 2 or 3 times to actually get them to generate the final billing, it was eventually done through web chat (I have since noted they have closed their social media accounts, obviously due to the high volume of unhappy customers berating their service). There's simply zero communication from them. Of course, having pestered them, I have been told I am due a refund of some £187 credit (within 28 days). But having read so many bad experiences from other customers, I have little faith in this happening by then, if at all! If I was in serious financial trouble this would be a significant sum and it's disturbing they are allowed to do this. By comparison, when I switched from my previous provider, they generated final bills and refunded credit within a week! I then took the precaution of cancelling my direct debit, as they took a payment the day after I switched and appear to keep taking this without permission even well after leaving. EE told me it was still active with them a month after I switched, even though I had previously requested it be stopped several times by phone, email and chat. Concerned, I spoke to my bank and they put a block on them trying to take or reinstate any direct debit. On 9th November they attempted to setup and take the direct debit again!!! It was immediately refunded by the bank under the DD rules. I called them (and my bank) again livid, they are committing fraud by doing this, I am not even a customer any more! They apologised and claimed it is cancelled, but they are crooks, so I have little faith in this. They basically do everything they can to siphon money from customers by any means and then put as many roadblocks in place so they can draw out refunding credit. Judging by the quantity of similar reviews, they must owe a significant amount, it's highly concerning. I have no idea how or why they are allowed to continue trading with such shady business practices, which are tantamount to theft. Surely Ombudsman, Ofgem or some governing body has the power to shut these rogues down, they must be aware of this escalating situation by now. Though, if they go into liquidation, we won't get any money owed refunded anyway. Deplorable company.