Southern Electric

Southern Electric is a trading name of the Scottish and Southern Energy Group of which SSE Energy Supply Limited is a member

This posting has been left for historical purposes only since the issue to which it pertains has

NOT BEEN

resolved (19.06.2009), but is now closed (Oct 2009)

This has been revealed to have been based on a nauseatingly patronising lie. Clearly, there was never any intention of accepting my logic using the Southern Electric model.

Erroneous. Note had been added: 03.01.2009

• To it's credit Southern Electric has listened and responded positively to my argument. The suggested £54 has been accepted as an increase from the earlier £38. And a more frequent billing (original quarterly) restored. The response was not detailed though appeared satisfactory.

This has since been proven to be a lie (19.06.2009). The 'agreed' level of charge was not applied and neither was a quarterly billing instigated. Southern Electric lied to me. The reason for the absence of detail is now very clear.

Energy Price Reductions (25.12.2008)
Southern Electric Prices

On the face of it, Southern Electric does not have the probity that it would like consumers to believe. Simply, the accounting formula has a definite proportionality for Standard energy and Discounted energy. It could also be defined as Inflated energy (= Standard energy) and Standard energy (= Discounted energy).

The Standard energy is represented by the first 36.6% of the total. The residual 63.4% is the Discounted energy proportion. Interestingly, the estimated usage for the year starting in December (2008) through to November (2009) has a hugely different rate. The Discounted energy part rises to 66% and accordingly the level set is greatly increased from any realistic one. The shabby concept though is to massage the monthly Direct Debit payment for the entire year at the highest Winter amount.The same payment is expected for the low usage Summer period.

Summer use at Winter prices

At best this is immoral.

I have written to the supplier clearly remarking on this outrageous pricing estimate and the very weak justification for raising the cost level, but suggesting that 'wringing hands' with the very lame apology for the increase that is, of course, out of their control, is a complete non-starter for a sensible explanation. Frankly, this is appalling and I await the detailed explanation that I have requested (13.12.08). A follow up e-mail has been sent (25.12.08). No response by 31.12.08. It is anticipated that more activity will be necessary.

• (Unapproved) payment taken from my account 29.12.2008 after an enclosed cheque cashed and cleared (24.12.2008). The recorded letter was delivered 19.12.2008. There is a contemptible failure to respond to my challenge.

Ofgem will be contacted to alert to the interpreted mechanism of the Southern Electric calculation.

This proposed action has now been abandoned

I suggested a reasonable and sensible monthly payment that is very probably still a gross overestimation, though very much less than that proposed by Southern Electric. Using the mathematics of Southern Electric. This still accounts for the +35% alleged rise in gas prices, but works not so favourably for this business. It's fair and realistic (oxymoron).

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