Changing power providers .. anyone had probs?

[bizzylizzy]

We're thinking of changing from SWEB to Scottish power as they are quite a bit cheaper. Trouble is, we know someone who's had awful problems trying to changeover - at the Scottish power end I believe. She's still trying to sort out her bills a year on from changing over. Before we take the plunge ... has anyone else had any problems with this?

Thank you in advance.

[nfn]

from personal experience I wouldn't touch Scottish Power with someone else's bargepole! They're inefficient, get the bills wrong (even with a meter reading) and then won't admit their mistakes. I left after 6 months (2 bills).

[jrtv]

Changed to Scottish Power about 7 months ago, they did all the work at their end and I had no problems, in fact it was a really good move.

bizzylizzy is my fav flower, I can't wait to see my collection in bloom again, roll on summer

[The Cowboy]

I changed from Scottish Gas to Scottish Power a few years ago and have never had a problem with them.

Cowboy

[buildersmate]

Ditto experience of the above two. Changed from Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) to Scottish Power twice now - in two different houses. No problem on either occasion. Scottish Power tend to use electricity estimates quite a lot - maybe that leads to a perception that bills are often wrong. If you don't like the estimate, you just phone them up and they adjust it there and then. Provided they've got the correct price (tariff) per unit right, does it really matter anyway.

For those IT enabled, you can get them to send you an email requesting a meter reading quarterly which you enter on their secure website in your account. It then produces a printable bill on line. I think they are one of the better utility companies to deal with.

[KARL]

From what I hear and have experienced, changing suppliers can be a hassle but in my opinion still should be considered because, like banks, they all are inclined to make offers which existing customers miss out on - making switching almost necessary. As for Scottish Power, I know of one example where they simply appeared not to want to co-operate with the other supplier or the houseowner - there were hours spent on the phone (they use only 0845 and 0870, both are forms of premim rate lines on which the receiver of the call makes a profit) and still no solution to arranging an adjustment to meter connections.