dispute
The estimated bills are based on consumption for the same period in the previous year, and at present the estimates are rounded down, this means that the next bill, with an accurate reading tends to be higher and, because it falls in the new year, it is charged at a higher rate
05.02.09 - 20:03 -
The new monthly payment system recently introduced by electricity supplier Endesa is causing concern to individuals and consumer organisations to such an extent that the Junta de Andalucía has intervened. At the moment around half of all bills have been estimated for the end months of last year. The estimated bills are based on consumption for the same period in the previous year, and at present the estimates are rounded down, this means that the next bill, with an accurate reading tends to be higher and, because it falls in the new year, it is charged at a higher rate. The consumer then has to wait until the next reading for a repayment. This is causing some distress for families on a tight budget.
To try and reach a sensible solution the Junta has requested that Endesa immediately revises the bills for previous months and arranges an automatic repayment on the next bill. The Junta says that the process should be automatic with the onus on Endesa to ensure payments are correct. The Junta has met with the Energy sector Ombudsman and other interested parties during this week and Endesa has said that they will review their systems to try and reduce the margins for error.
In the meantime the Ministry responsible has asked the National Energy Commission to begin an investigation into the methods used by the electricity company to calculate estimated consumption during the change over.
