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BES Utilities review: mis-sold energy contract & prices 296

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10:02 am EDT
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We were mis-sold an electricity contract to BES in October 2011 through the broker commercial energy . Due to the seriousness of this matter we have now had to close our business down and are seeking legal action against them. There are many other businesses out there that have been subjected to this and story's have been published through "this is money" the web site "money saving expert.com" & an interesting pod cast worth listening to is by BBC five live on 22nd April 2012 that connects brokers to pushing small businesses into contracts where they receive large commissions. Some brokers are not regulated so there is no protection of how they can enforce lies along with fear & abuse tactics for small businesses & they thrive on sales tactics along with reading your circumstances and taking advantage of this. There are however some very helpful brokers out there so I hope sometime soon there will be some laws enforced to separate the good ones from those that are there to damage business.

Update by Onjance 1
Sep 23, 2012 2:01 pm EDT

The UIA can give advice & would be interested to hear your experience ref the Ombudsman-Rod Sidden is a good contact. From what I have been reading as regard to others experience-the Ombudsman seem to beable to help in early cases with BES but for further on cases they push you to take legal action which is what I would suggest in the most affordable way you can. We are currently in the process of this now - there does seem to be very little help until new ruleings have been past & exposure of BES is more prominent to stop all this. There are other consumer forums that are full of nightmare story's about bes & some good advice is on there-"the consumer forums" being one of the best.. Push forward & dont give up-we had the same experience.

296 comments
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Sunil Kumar1
, US
May 09, 2023 4:50 am EDT
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Many time phone call but more than month still not solve my issue

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Sunil Kumar1
, US
Apr 24, 2023 11:57 am EDT
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They reading my meter reading 11588

But actual meter reading 11488 and force to paybill

Bes account number number - BES100140322

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Baznew
Maldon, GB
Feb 26, 2021 6:52 pm EST
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I've just taken on a lease for a cafe in Essex. The gas supplier is BES. They will not register me as the lease holder dispute being provided with a copy of the lease and confirmation email from the landlord. They say they need photographic id from the landlord? He is obviously refusing to get involved.
I have purposely chosen electrical appliances and therefore have a zero gas usage, but believe that when this is sorted they will want backdated standing charge. From the very beginning I have refused to sign with them and attempted to transfer to Scottish Power but was blocked by BES. I'm stuck in limbo and don't know what their next move will be to add to my sleepless nights and mounting anxiety. Having sent a complaint email and posted one. I am about to go to the umbudsman. From the stories I've heard I don't hold out much hope. Any advice please

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kingrickysingh
, US
Apr 16, 2020 2:30 pm EDT

I too have been screwed over by BES. They tricked me into a contract using an associated broker called approved energy. Who lied about their connection to BES. The caller was called Casey.
She repeatedly denied the connection and said she was independent. Having resigned to the contract they have constantly been awful to deal with. Have increased prices with notifications.
Then when my contract has come to finish. Approved Energy (same woman) started harassing me again. I repeatedly told her to leave me alone. BES then tried to harass me into a renewal. I notified them that i wanted to leave in writing. They refused to write back to accept.That is illegal. Then on the 4th attempt they did agree to terminate. I have since used a better broker to get a new supplier. BES are refusing to let them register my supply. Their own customer service staff have admitted they are bad. Its on recording. I have requested a copy of it. The approved energy lady Casey admitted their link to BES. They are a disgrace. They have caused me physical, fiscal and mental illness. Approved energy and bes have had the same director.

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Star786
, US
Feb 10, 2020 12:40 am EST
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We took over a business. BES was the electric supplier . Now BES wants us to pay the bill which previous owner used and also charging us very high price and threatening us the disconnection.

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revampint@aol.com
, US
Aug 13, 2019 8:40 am EDT

BES are such a horrible company.

If they put as much back in to their billing as they pay their call centre to constantly harass you their bills would be tiny.

DO NOT EVER AGREE TO SIGN UP WITH THEM.
YOU WILL NEVER GET AWAY.

They take up so much of my time with never ending phone calls.

It's tantamount to harassment.

Awful company.

Dont get trapped!

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Rob Halstead
, US
Apr 12, 2019 8:08 am EDT

Rob Halstead I am the MD for www.halsteadenergy.com. If you check my Linked In profile you will see that I am constantly discover customers who have been misled by these types of suppliers/brokers.

It is vital for your business that you find a broker that you can trust and understand what rates to expect when you are being quoted.

You need to understand that large brokers/suppliers hire sales people and pay them commission to sign deals! Those sale people are trying to earn as much from your business as they can. They do not care about the long term relationship, they do not care about your business costs, they care about earning their money!

The best brokers do not have call centres, the best brokers do not have 100's of staff.

Google Utilitywise to gain an understanding of what happens when a greed lead organisation that puts commissions and cash flow ahead of the interests of customers.

When you have done all that get in touch if you want to get things done properly

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Mark Don
, US
Nov 01, 2018 9:29 am EDT

Hello,

I represent Business Energy Claims, and we help businesses take action against energy brokers (the companies that set up BES Contracts) and have the commissions they earn returned to the business.
Our team would be happy to help anybody who has used a broker in the past 6 years.
You can reach us on [protected], or at www.businessenergyclaims.co.uk
Thanks

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nicholas rennie
, GB
Aug 10, 2018 4:55 pm EDT
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Hi there. Nicholas Rennie speaking, Energy Direct Consultants Ltd. All of you need to email/call myself. I'm a reputable energy broker with lots of knowledge and a will of steel. I run a small firm with small margins, small costs, big service and like a challenge. I actually do what it says on the tin. Please have a look. www.energydirectconsultants.co.uk nick@energydirectconsultants.co.uk
regards Nick

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jdbrown97
, GB
May 18, 2017 9:03 am EDT

My Ex-wife has a shop and also missold she is thai and could not understand them - i agreed to speak to them (i have nothing to do with the shop) and they put the contract in my name - they are now saying the call with the So called agent Energy Search is legally binding - not what they sent out as contract particulars with my name on it and having said that i was in a contract with them for 2 years they now say say she has the contract - i dispute that - they say they do not sent contracts out - just a welcome letter i dispute that as page 2 are contract particulars - how can a third party speak to me on behalf of my ex-wife and BES say that is binding contract for my ex-wife to be with them - they are simply relying now on this so called verbal contract
I am a Barrister - Jason Elliott Barristers Chambers - we would be happy to look at a class action against BES if we get enough interest having seen multiple missold allegations on this site
John Brown [protected]

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Clarky59
, GB
Jun 15, 2018 4:07 pm EDT
Replying to comment of jdbrown97

Im having a terrible time with BES, the Ombusman Service is useless as it seems BES have this very effectively covered. They need to be closed down...is anybody taking legal action against them.

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Energyhelper
, GB
Jul 04, 2018 10:02 am EDT
Replying to comment of Clarky59

HI @Clarky59,
We deal with accounts like this all of the time. I came across this thread doing some research for another case against BES I'm currently investigating. BES are quite easily the worst supplier in the industry. Once they have you locked in, there is zero care given to your company. If you'd like some help with this, please get in touch. Greig Batty, Business Energy Direct.

@jdbrown97, The same goes here. Whilst i can see it was a while ago, we can go back up to 6 years based on the back billing code. If we can find something, we will do everything we can to get the answers you need. With regards to not understanding them, I have recently heard a call recording completed by a consultancy who say they have no direct relationship with BES and i found it hard to keep up with what was being stated. I would question any consultants who push BES. I'm yet to see any positives from this company in the 10 years I have worked in the industry.

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Scott 1714
BISHOP AUCKLAND, GB
Sep 16, 2022 2:28 pm EDT
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Replying to comment of jdbrown97

Hi I too have been mis-sold into a five year energy contract with BES and would very much like to participate in the class action against them. I was conned by either a broker or one of their sales staff into signing the contract after they lied to me telling me I was with Yorkshire Power and Gas and that I was paying £4 per day standing charge and about 80p (I think) per unit. They stated that of two companies they recommended BES were the best offering discounted rates over time, making what they said sound like a great deal. At the time I was in the process of obtaining my lease dealing with solicitors and finances etc. and was quite stressed. From what they told me I thought I had been referred to them by my landlord as they seemed to know all of my particulars, address business name etc. so I thought they were legit. I only found out four days later that they were not and all the problems people have been having. I managed to get on contract with E.ON straightaway, who were the current supplier and thought that was then end of it however BES kept harassing me via email, phone and text even telling me that I was on supply with them from 01/08/2022 which I clearly could not have been as I was with E.ON. It wasn't until today (16/09/2022) that I discovered they had managed to take over the meter despite being refused by E.ON numerous times. I spoke to E.ON about this and they said essentially BES took advantage of the new faster switching process which completes in 2 days so you only have 2 days to object. This was missed by E.ON owing to problems their systems have with the new faster switching system and not recognising the request to switch in order to stop it, and the switch went through. BES only notified me two weeks later and when they did I thought it was just another intimidating email, so I didn't pay it any notice (believing I was still on supply with E.ON). Presently BES are threatening to contact debt agencies, disconnect my electricity and have applied late fees as I refuse to pay them so I am left with the decision to possibly contact them and pay them as per the contract to avoid disconnection. This is a total nightmare all started by a cold call and the caller duping me into signing one of their (BES) horrendous contracts. As a small business I am very worried about this and fear they will cripple me financially from what I have seen about them online, consequently I am suffering with debilitating anxiety stress and depression. I have registered a complaint with the Ombudsman Service as well. If BES disconnect my electricity supply this will essentially mean I can't operate my car sales business and will not be able to meet my rent commitments essentially putting me out of business, with a huge lease liability. Definitely need help here. Regards Scott.

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Chilli Sal
Bexhill on sea, GB
Jun 24, 2023 11:40 pm EDT
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Replying to comment of jdbrown97

Can someone please get in touch with me as soon as possible as I have a Country court case against BES Utilities _ my number is [protected].

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alex95
, US
Nov 16, 2016 2:05 pm EST

I received a phone call from Energy Search in February 2016 when I moved into a new business, and unfortunately fell for the trap of BES 5 year market tracker tariff contract. They have now increased my charges by 30% as I am on the 'market tracker' which I was fooled into by the Energy Search who said BES is the cheapest, and the rest of the energy suppliers are much expensive. No one understands how stressed I am, this has caused me lots of health issues and I am in depression thinking to commit suicide. BES has ruined my life, what can I do :(

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AAWDenham
, GB
May 20, 2016 7:26 am EDT

I have received an account from BES dated 16/05/2016 referring to a meter in a property occupied by a tenant up till 31st March 2016. The reading on that meter when they vacated was 57609. The contract for supply was taken over by E.On and the entry reading supplied to them was 57609. The property is now occupied by another company who have taken over the contract with E.On on 17th May with the reading of 57631. I will shortly be receiving an account from E.On for the 22 units of electricity consumed. I have never had a contract of any sort with BES, be it actual or deemed, nor was any electricity consumed between the tenant leaving or the contract with E.On starting. To take a deemed contract, BES should
*take all reasonable steps to provide the principal terns of the deemed contract including the charges or fees -this they haven't done
*provide a copy of the full contract - this they haven't done
*take all reasonable steps to tell about other available contracts and how to get information on these - this they haven't done
*take all reasonable steps to ensure the terms of the deemed contract are not unduly onerous -this they haven't done.
Therefore I am disputing their account for £242.15p

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Neil-uk
Yes, GB
Feb 24, 2016 6:21 pm EST
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Hi, your best bet is to take a look here:

http://0lly.uk/category/bes-utilities/

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michelle and liam canny
, GB
Feb 17, 2016 6:42 am EST

we have just opened a small business back in may. We use our premises mainly for storing machinery. The only time electricity is used is to turn on the lights, use the computer or listen to the radio. The man across our premises uses his premises for mot's so it is in constant use, . our monthly electric bill is £350 and his is £120!
when I contacted bes - they said my husband was tied in for 5 years or if he eanted to terminate beforehand, he would have to pay the estimated amount for the next 4 years. is there any solicitor or governing body who is willing to help us as our business could fold because of this.

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Neil-uk
Yes, GB
Jan 31, 2016 6:21 am EST
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Hi Maxine.

To be honest, I think after the Ofgem finding, it caused more of a sigh of relief for BES, then any real worry that they would continue to be exposed, which of course is completely misplaced. Ofgem may well be going back in!

In terms of your issues, in the immediate term, I suggest canceling the Direct Debit, and telling them you want to be removed from the (alleged) contract. Or you could use the form on iamOlly. (0lly.uk). Keeping the DD standing means they can continue to take your money, which is little incentive for them to cancel it. The contract is alleged because their contracts never stand up the scrutiny of a Court - they're just chancing it on the fact that you're too scared to put it in front of a Judge.

I don't know if you are a sole trader or limited company? But, there is a potential issue that BES don't have a Consumer Credit License, it would appear one is required if a businesses is allowing a sole trader or small partnership LESS than £25, 000. We're awaiting a Judgement on this to be handed down, it won't be until March though!

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Maxie19699
, GB
Jan 22, 2016 1:55 pm EST
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This just happened to me today, the initial caller told me that the meters weren't registered with a utility company, I told him they were and and he said fair enough but that we would have to have a smart meter installed before 2017. Then I received a second call telling me I was on an emergency tariff and they would help me find the cheapest business contract. I KNEW I was with British Gas but, they talked me into having the quotes done. Even after she gave me the quotes (of which BES was way cheaper), I still said I wanted to stay with British Gas so she started the hard sell about how better off we would be - not sounding much like an 'independent broker'! I said I wanted to stay with British Gas because the tariff was fixed and she told me that the variable tariff was much better because it could also go down and that BES had only increased their tariff was 8% in 3 years but they had also reduced it. Even though I wasn't really happy about doing it - I said OK because I was getting confused, then I found myself given them the bank details. The rest is the same as everyone else. When I got off the phone, I panicked because I thought about what I had just done, I called British Gas who confirmed that we did have a legitimate contract with them and then I Googled BES and here I am.

I have sent them an email, stating that the contract was obtained dishonestly and that I already had a contract with British Gas. I also said that I won't sign any Direct Debit mandate and will inform the bank not to set any such DD up should they attempt it. I will call British Gas to make them aware and then will simply ignore their calls. What else is there to do? I can't believe they are still doing things after the OFGEN ruling?

Akram ali Khan
Akram ali Khan
, US
Jan 19, 2016 12:12 pm EST

they mis-sold me into a new contract I am not happy

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concerned broker
, GB
Jan 19, 2016 8:35 am EST
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Hi Guys, I've just bee reading through a number of these complaints and i am absolutely disgusted with the way that BES have treated a large number of their customers. I am an independent energy broker working from home dealing with SME accounts GENUINELY trying to hep them cut the costs of their energy bills down. I have just had my first dealing with this company and cannot get over how incompetent and unhelpful they actually are! i have tried to give termination on a customers account to move them to a better provider on a much more cost effective tariff and was basically told no and they didn't care if the contract rolled! i would wisely recommend that anyone running a business stays well away from them!

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Invisibleman2
, US
Jan 18, 2016 1:46 pm EST
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This feed is incredible . I had the same, took over a closed business address, got hundreds of calls on three phone numbers by various companies all mentioned above. I knew we hadn't signed anything so therefore they weren't our suppliers, whatever vitriol they spouted, and most of it eventually was swearng, threatening and obvious lies. So I told them nothing. Blanked their calls after number 267 and got on with it. They have now made up a company name for me that doesn't exist, sent me £3000 worth of estimated bills. I've paid them nothing, will pay them nothing. These guys are comedians, and if they don't have a contract, they don't have an interest. I don't see how they can cut us off.. The only contract they have is with the previous occupant. There isn't a contract in this country that ties in future tenants. We've been in for months now, they are threatening disconnection, but need a warrant to get in. To get that they need to prove they have a contract, and they don't even know the company name! So bring it on b e s, even if you get in and cut us off, which you won't, you don't even know who we are. Don't kid a kidder. And your football teams rubbish as well.

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Mowers
, GB
Dec 08, 2015 4:33 pm EST
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Following the BES breach announcement I have notified BES that I am terminating the contract for mis-selling and harassment. Asking them to put all correspondence to me in writing as my business is suffering from the continued nuisance calls and that I then have a record for legal reasons. They have ignored my requests and keep phoning, saying they have recordings and that I have no case to terminate. They even said that all the customer impacted by the breach have been dealt with ...right ! I am expecting a lot worse than this but will refuse to let these ### get one over on me even if it cost me.

If you are reading this and feel the same about what when on in getting you to sign a contract and the number of calls since for other utilities' then I suggest you ACT NOW rather than just letting them get away with it. Both Ofgem and many hundred starter businesses are onto them now so we need to keep the complaints coming till changes are made or these people are close down and locked up.

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Laffinatbes
, US
Dec 03, 2015 6:21 pm EST
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Congratulations to the good people that run this board. And damn the trolls paid for by bes. I've no doubt that pilley can probably pay the fine from his loose change, but hey, there must a lot of relieved small businesses out there.…lt will be interesting to see how this affects their corrupt and criminal revenue streams.
A pox upon bes and its employees.

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Neil-uk
Yes, GB
Dec 03, 2015 9:01 am EST
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Yes, that was last week.

Funnily enough they dropped a legal action the day after. They were clearly scared of putting that one in the High Court. Or maybe it's because Andy Pilley committed perjury?

You can find out all you need to know about the BES Scam here: http://0lly.uk/2015/11/25/bes-utilities-ltd-get-out-of-contract-now/

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Bash Khan
, GB
Dec 03, 2015 8:43 am EST
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Hot off the press ...

Investigation into BES and its compliance with its obligations under the gas and electricity supply licences (Standard Licence Conditions 7A, 7B, 7, 14 and 21B) and with the Con' Complaints Handing Standards Regulations (CHSR) 2008

Publication date
25th November 2015
Company
BES Commercial Electricity Ltd (electricity supplier) and Business Energy Solutions Ltd (gas supplier)
Status
Open
The Gas and Electricity Markets Authority ("the Authority") proposes to impose a financial penalty on BES Commercial Electricity Ltd and Business Energy Solutions Ltd (together referred to as "BES") following an investigation by Ofgem into its failure to comply with the requirements of conditions 7A, 7B, 7 and 14 of their gas and electricity supply licences and with the Gas and Electricity (Con' Complaints Handling Standards) Regulations (CHSR) 2008, Regulations 4 and 5.

The Authority finds that BES has breached the following relevant conditions and requirements:

SLC 7A.4(b) – Supply to Micro Business Consumers – These provisions require that, before a licensee enters into a Micro Business Consumer Contract, it must take all reasonable steps to bring the Principal Terms of the proposed contract to the attention of the consumer and ensure that the information is communicated in plain and intelligible language. These conditions were breached for the period 8 June 2010 to 12 July 2015 (Breaches 1 and 2).
SLC 7B – Customer Objective and Standards of Conduct for non-domestic supply activities – These provisions require that the licensee takes all reasonable steps to achieve the Standards of Conduct and apply the Standards of Conduct in a manner consistent with the Customer Objective of ensuring that each Micro Business Consumer is treated fairly. This condition was breached for the periods 26 August 2013 to 12 July 2015 (Breach 3) in relation to failure to communicate Principal Terms and 26 August 2013 to 14 August 2014 (Breach 4) in relation to Statement of Renewal letters.
SLC 7.6A(c) – Terms of Contracts and Deemed Contracts – These provisions state that a deemed contract must not require a customer to give any form of notice before they are able to change supplier, and were breached for the period 23 October 2013 to 9 June 2014 (Breach 5).
SLC 14 – Non-Domestic Customer Transfer Blocking – These provisions state that a licensee must not prevent a Proposed Supplier Transfer except in accordance with certain specific provisions, one of which being that the licensee’s Contract with that customer allows the licensee to prevent the transfer. Contract is a defined term within SLC 1 and the definition states that a Contract does not include a Deemed Contract. This SLC was breached for the period 14 November 2012 to 9 June 2014 (Breach 6).
Regulations 4 and 5 of the CHSRs. These regulations place requirements on regulated providers in relation to handling con' complaints, and were breached for the period 1 January 2013 to 31 October 2014 (Breach 7).
BES has admitted that it breached the relevant conditions and requirements set out above and has co-operated with the Authority’s investigation. BES has made improvements in those areas which are the subject of this investigation.

The investigation also looked at a potential breach of SLC 21B in relation to accurate billing but there was no finding of a breach in relation to this SLC.

The Authority considers it appropriate to impose a penalty for this contravention. In the circumstances the Authority hereby gives notice under section 27A(3) of the Electricity Act 1986 ("the Electricity Act") and section 30A(3) of the Gas Act 1986 ("the Gas Act") of its proposal to impose a penalty of £2 (£1 on each licensee).

The proposed penalty takes into account the fact that BES has agreed to pay £980, 000 in total by way of settlement of this case. Of this amount it has undertaken to pay compensation totalling £310, 000 to consumers affected by the breaches. The remainder, £670, 000 (plus any amounts which cannot be returned to affected consumers), less the penalty sum of £2 will be paid to Business Debtline and will fund specific projects through which Business Debtline will provide debt advice services to business customers who are experiencing difficulties in paying their energy bills. BES has also agreed to contact all those customers who have contacted them previously in relation to any matters relevant to breaches 1 to 3 to explain its failings and to offer those customers the opportunity to terminate their contract, should they wish to, without a termination fee being imposed.

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Richard1970
, GB
Nov 13, 2015 7:57 am EST

BES are a rip off company been with the for 3 months they sent us a bill for £3824.89 put it into dispute ended up going to ofgem as soon as they found out we had gone to the ombudsman they got a warrant to enter the premises and took the meter out.
They have now come back with a final figure of £1520 which we have paid in full but will not replace the meter as we don't want to stay with them.
so now we have to pay a security deposit which in the grand scheme of things we are more than happy to do just to get away from these con artists..

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Neil-uk
Yes, GB
Nov 12, 2015 4:11 am EST
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There is now proof that Ross Chapman and Dale Dixon of BES Utilities registered a domain on behalf of Lee Qualter/Goulding's Energy Search. See here:

http://0lly.uk/2015/11/11/more-proof-energy-search-ltd-and-bes-utilities-are-linked/

There can be no doubt Andy Pilley's claim that BES have no control or general day-to-day business dealings with the brokers is false. You simply can't trust a word Pilley says, the evidence is plain for all to see.

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Maybe me or you
, GB
Nov 10, 2015 3:28 pm EST

BES If you look on LinkedIn you will see who the chairman and those that sniff under him. Try to email them directly and you get a condescending reply. They look like family men/people but you can basically see straight through them. Their partners resemble dizzy women in a dream land of BES and they look like a rendition of foster brothers reunited with beards.
Customer service are one big joke as are those that call us daily, email daily and remind us all of what rotten human being there are in this world and most of them work for BES.
The brokers that suggest BES should also be traded in as rotten as they are as bad.
We are so say in a verbal contract with them
We received NO terms and conditions no welcome pack (BES still tell us it was sent) The first ever letter from them was to say if we do not enter into a contract with them they will fine us £4, 000 because they have already purchased our 'energy' we immediately told them by email and phone calls we do not deal with a company who use threats and bullying to get business. They have subjected us to the most unreasonable harassment ever since. When we asked them to prove they had purchased our 'energy' they have ignored this but now we get daily calls emails and threats. We have now engaged with NEWTONS a legal firm & solicitor who apparently knows about BES and will guide us as to where we are in the mere of rotten traders. The Ombudsman were as helpful as a chocolate ashtray and never respond. If they do respond they repeat what they said before and we never seem to get anywhere. This has stressed us out. Its terrifying what this slimmy people from BES can subject us hard working small business people to this terrible business of threats and bullying. There is also a company of legal experts in London who will look at your case . Apparently they already have hundreds on this files (free of charge) and will take the cases into Court and expose BES accordingly.

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Bash Khan
, GB
Oct 20, 2015 1:45 am EDT
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Link doesn't work Chrismls but to be honest I don't think this is the way forward as you need 1000's of signatures for the government to take notice - best if you contact your own MP. Most MP's have one-to-one "surgeries" where you can go along and discuss matters such as this. Pending how BES respond to my "case" (they have since gone very quiet) then I will be doing this. Fortunately, as a local councillor, I know my local MP so hopefully he'll progress matters! Keep up the fight folks!

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Chrismls
, US
Oct 13, 2015 9:57 am EDT

Please sign my petition https://www.change.org/p/david-cameron-mp-investigate-the-relationship-between-bes-and-brokers?recruiter=253252436&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&utm_term=des-lg-no_src-no_msg&fb_ref=Default BES are a horrible company

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KansasCityMilkman
, GB
Sep 08, 2015 5:58 am EDT
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I have read all the comments above and am extremely shocked at the goings on in the business energy industry. I have just spent the last 30 years working in the insurance claims business and specialised in the investigation of "crash 4 cash" incidents. These were mostly fueled by greedy accident management companies and lawyers and has basically led to us all paying an extra £50 on our insurance premiums every year.
Anyway, earlier this year I decided enough was enough and resigned to open a small shop in my local home town. I ploughed my life's savings into the business and was really looking forward to it ... alas the enjoyment lasted approx 3 days.
I'd already agreed, prior to taking over the shop (an existing business), to keep the energy supply with British Gas and on the day of the business transfer I duly spoke with them and agreed a 2 year contract for both Gas and Electricity. I knew that I could have probably found a better deal but I just didn't want the hassle etc.
3 days later I get a call from a guy who says there's an issue with my electricity meter reading and needs a new reading. He's very vague on where he's calling from but he sounded genuine so I provided a meter reading (despite the meter already being a smart one). I had also witnessed the previous tenant taking the meter reading on the day of the business transfer and knew it was correct and even supplied this reading to British Gas when I spoke with them 3 days earlier.
The guy said the reading was miles out but wouldn't disclose what recording he had previously.
The guy then goes on to say he's from an "independent" company called Commercial Reductions and that he could provide a very good quote for my energy. The best deal he could find was with a company called BES. I pointed out to him straight away that I had already taken out a new contract with Brit Gas however he stated that "it did not matter" and as no supplier was showing on his "systems" then I was within my rights to change supplier. I even advised that I'd received a letter that morning from British Gas confirming my contract etc.
He then went through (very quickly) the rates that BES had to offer and initially they sounded better than what Brit Gas had offered. I again advised that I'd taken out a contract with Brit Gas and was concerned that they might "sue" me for breach of contract etc. He assured me that this could not possibly happen so I agreed to the contract.
By this time I was starting to feel quite intimidated by the caller and felt that I was under pressure. At the same time I was trying to serve customers so wasn't really paying attention to what the caller was saying. Indeed, at one point I had to close the shop and drive 2 miles back to my home in order to obtain my banking details!
During the actual "terms and conditions" of the call (the only bit that is allegedly only recorded!) I raised again the subject of my recent contract with British Gas. This seemed to annoy the caller but he assured me once again that there would be no problems and he then had to start again with the "contract" recording and asking me not to mention the British Gas aspect again. He also asked me not to mention this when the call went through to BES as they "wouldn't know what to do about it".
Following the call I knew straight away that I'd made a terrible mistake and an initial search on the internet regarding BES caused me considerable stress and anguish.
The following day I contacted the British Gas complaints dept in the UK and explained by predicament. They clearly knew about the conduct of Commercial Reductions and BES and assured me that the supply would not be transferred to BES.
I then contacted BES and asked to be put through to the complaints area. I explained the situation and was assured that any complaints about a "broker" were taken very seriously. They also advised me that I had nothing to worry about as only one company could be a supplier (at the time I was worried that I might be contracted to both companies for at least 2 years!).
A few days later I receive all the documents from BES including comprehensive "terms and conditions" - very few of these were mentioned in the original verbal contract.
As I was still not convinced about the situation I called British Gas again and they assured me that both the electricity and gas supplies were with them and any attempts by another firm to take them over would be blocked. It was also agreed that a password would be placed on my account just in case someone tries to imitate me!
I then wrote a formal letter of complaint to BES outlining the above and expressing my disgust in the way that the "broker" had conducted himself and that as far as I was concerned my contract was with British Gas.
I received, what appears to be, a standard response enclosing the recordings of the actual verbal contract. There is no mention of any enquiries being made with Commercial Reductions about their staff member's conduct and as far as they're concerned the agreement is still valid etc.
To be honest I really didn't expect anything different bearing in mind the comments on this forum!
Just one other thing. I haven't mentioned any names in the above although I did record them at the time.
Of interest I received a call from someone at BES a couple of days before my official complaint whose voice sounded very similar to the original caller from Commercial Reductions! When I advised that I wasn't happy and was lodging a formal complaint he hung up on me!
Having read the considerable and quite shocking number of complaints regarding BES and their "not so independent" brokers I would appreciate some advice as to how to proceed.
I'm very concerned that BES will somehow manage to take over the supply of my energy using underhand tactics etc.
I am prepared to put up a very good fight and will not allow myself to be intimidated further or bullied. I have experience of the legal profession and have given evidence in Court on numerous occasions in relation to my previous employment so this does not worry me in the slightest!

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F.Abis
, GB
Aug 24, 2015 10:02 am EDT

In Feb 2008 After many calls (pestering calls) I fell in trap to renew my Gas contract with this firm saving me a mere £75 a year on a £5000 a year contract with British Gas. I use to pay 2.89 pence per KWH to British Gas. The brokers gave me a price of 2.83 pence per KWH. For five months nothing happened and by that time I had forgotten about this phone call. On 23rd July 2008 I received a letter from British Gas saying how sorry they were to see our firm leave for another firm. Initially as I had forgotten about this contract over five months ago told BG that I would like to stay as I do not even know who I'm surrendering the Gas service to anyway. I was told that it was a bit late now as transfer date is 25th July 2008 (2 days time). Then upon enquiry BG told me that my Gas services were being transferred to someone called BES & also gave me a phone number. So I called BES & they acknowledged that the Gas at our premises would be supplied by them from 25th July. Upon enquiring the price I was shocked as they gave me a price of 4.43 pence per KWH. So first thing I did was dig out notes from my computer of the call made in February. I was shocked to as I had been told 2.83 pence per KWH, so I called BES & said a mistake had been made as I had been given a different price. I was told yes you were given that price but now the prices have gone up. So I asked how in a fixed price contract you can raise the prices. I was shocked when they said that I did not have a fixed price contract but a variable price contract. (Due to being in catering business since 1995, I have always & always gone in fixed price contracts and would never, even now, imagine going in a variable price contract). Despite asking them on numerous occasions to send me a recording of the original chat back in February 2008 BES failed to send me that to date. A monthly direct debit was set up & BES started taking out different amount every month. In December 2008 I had to go abroad so I passed a lease onto my brother. BES firstly declined to take that into consideration and after threats of taking them to court, they asked for a copy of the lease. They acknowledged the lease and gave us a go ahead to change suppliers or take out a new contract with them. Their contract prices were ridiculous so my brother decided to change the supplier. Npower offered 2.9 pence per KWH & they were offered the business, which were transferred to Npower on 11/03/2009. Now BES charged me 4.43 pence KWH up to 31/12/2008, & charged my brother 7.0 pence per KWH out of contract prices (DAYLIGHT ROBBERY) up to 10/03/2009.
At the start of business with BES in July 2008 meter readings were 6272 & on 31/12/2008 the meter readings were 8637. BES billed my brother from starting meter readings of 7637 telling him that I quoted the last meter read. The final meter readings on 10/03/2009 were 9250. Many many calls to set the records straight and get the right meter readings BES would not budge. Even despite telling them that a mistake may have been made giving you the final meter readings in December here is the right meter readings, but BES would not budge. You all readers on this forum decide how a small takeaway can use only 1365 units for 5 months & 5 days, & then 1613 units in 2 months & 10 days. Whereas the true bills should be on 2365 units & 613 units respectively. They billed my brother nearly £4800 for 69 days consumption (This use to be our annual gas bill with BG before we got trapped with BES Contract). Despite not changing the meter readings by direct debit BES took out nearly £800 extra from my account for use up to 31/12/2008 & BES to date have failed to refund me that money. (WHY NOT IF YOU ARE ADAMANT THAT END READINGS ON 31/12/2008 WERE 7637 THEN REFUND THE EXTRA AMOUNT TAKEN OUT).
By end of 2009 we told BES to only contact us if they sort the bills out and send bills with right start / End meter readings, otherwise don't bother contacting us. We did not hear from them until January 2015 when a firm called Hoist contacted us asking for more than £6500 on behalf of their client BES. I phoned Hoist and asked them if they knew any background to this claim & they didn't. All hoist were interested in was the funds. So in April 2015 we received County Court Summons for an amount of £7700, and we aim to fight this to our last thing. The hearing is on 2/10/2015 and please all readers wish us good luck.

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Fers3505
, GB
Aug 19, 2015 7:10 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hi Everyone,

I too have been conned by Meter Registration service( DCS utility) they phoned me up and pretended to be an official body and not a sales outfit.
They then signed me up to British gas on high rates, far higher than what I should havepaid if I had shopped around.
It turns out that the sales co was DCS Utilitiy based in Manchester.
After doing some digging I have uncovered that the owner a Dave Sumner has got a lot of history conning small shops with his Meter registrations scam.
He even had the front to name his co Meter Registration Department Ltd, in order to help trick customers into believing he was a legit organisation.
He also uses the name UK Energy.
See info below.

Result -

Anyone who fancies having their legal department pursue this;

Meter Registration Department - UK Energy and many others are operated by;

BENJAMIN-DEXTER-LIMITED

http://companycheck.co.uk/company/0...ny-summary

Mr Carl David Sumner

Registered address is an accountants
MADISONS,
BUSHBURY HOUSE,
435 WILMSLOW ROAD,
WITHINGTON,
MANCHESTER,
M20 4AF

Looks like they've been at it a very long time though - so good luck.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=990931&highlight=uk+energy&page=13

Caller: UK Energy
Caller Type: Telemarketer

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another_bes_victim
Leicester, GB
Aug 18, 2015 6:09 pm EDT

Finally someone has exposed these scammers: https://youtu.be/PUBhIHCYi5c

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wilkz
, GB
Aug 12, 2015 6:23 pm EDT

According to the local newspaper, the Blackpool Gazette, BES are in the running for an award for "Treating Customers Fairly" despite being investigated by Ofgem ?

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screwedbybes
, US
Aug 09, 2015 2:10 am EDT

Morning, another unlucky customer here. They managed to convince my wife to agree to a 5 year contract under pressure.

She was bombarded by broker calls, they passed her onto BES. They didn't allow her time to evaluate all the information and told her she had a 2 week cooling off period. They didn't establish she was a micro business and the minimum usage is way above what she is expecting to use, all of which is against the Ofcom Standard Licence Conditions 7A, 7B. On calling to cancel the contract within their agreed verbal agreement the call was handled by a trainee solicitor, Jessica Bennett who claimed to listen to the recordings of the call and found no trace of this agreement or any mis-selling points.

We've a SAR submitted to them for the recordings but going by past comments doubt they'll be much use. They claim to record all calls for training and complaint reasons, something which they're now saying they don't? My husband installs and maintains voice recording systems for a living so is aware of the type of equipment and it's configuration. He can think of no scenario you'd allow an agent to be able to stop and start they're own call apart from PCI-DSS reasons. Quality should be perfect and complete calls including any transfers along with their associated metadata should be made available.

We have submitted a complaint to them via the www.resolver.co.uk website which collates all information so that it can be escalated to Ofgem as and when required.

We are not taking this lying down. We will fight this and will be contacting the government to remind them of the reputation of the people they're dealing with. The director of BES Utilities is known to visit No.10 Downing Street and the Energy Minister and Minister for Business & Enterprise, Matthew Hancock, paid a visit to BES Utilities and Fleetwood. It does nothing for the reputation of the government to visit an organisation which is under investigation by a regulator.

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Mattshop
, GB
Jul 26, 2015 7:41 am EDT

These lot should be called B.E.PESTS

it seems like when you register your company on companies house, duport etc, some little slime ball passes all your personal private contact details/numbers to business utilities and these rip off little energy companies like BES. Then they get to work...bombarding your phone non-stop, telling you how they beat all the best energy company rates on the market bla bla bla. When in reality they are ripping everyone off big time!

I was mislead into signing up with them by this daft parrot on the phone. They read all the rights at 200 mph, so I couldn't even understand what they were saying. The first bill for two weeks was for £500, Toe rags! I immediately cancelled my direct debit with them in 2011. Ever since they've been threatening and bombarding us with phone calls non stop, the staff are rude and not very helpful at all. I've tried cancelling my contract with them on numerous occasions and very rudely the staff there told me it is not possible.

One young male I spoke to at BES was actually arguing with me and giving it the large'n down the phone to pay the bills, it was very unprofessional! He sounded like an ex-school nerd that finally has some authority in his life, talking hard while behind a phone at his job.

My small business only had one small computer running a printer a light in two rooms, which was only on when the shop was open 9 til 4.
No major appliances like cooker, microwave, fridge etc

One day they sent electricians round to my business accompanied by G4s security. They then forced themselves into my premises and intimidated my staff, then proceeded to fit in a smart meter, which I thought wasn't smart as they are still charging a bomb for the electric being used.

at one point my business was closed for a month...guess what...they still charged me a big bill for electricity that hasn't even been used...haha these guys are some right thieves I tell ya!

i've approached Ombudsman to help resolve this matter and they were no help. These guys prey on new vulnerable business's and I hope they get served the right way!

Remember people BES isn't a major energy company, we're all paying for some assh*les cocktails and holiday cruises who doesn't give two sh*@s.
While we as hard working genuine business owners get robbed out of our money.

We should join forces and get BES exposed. These low lives need to be on watch dog!

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rebeccaztaylor
Leamington Spa, GB
Jul 15, 2015 7:06 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have messaged you :)

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ackyno1
manchester, GB
Jul 15, 2015 5:55 am EDT

my previous tenant left the premises due to finance issues including unpaid rent, we took possession of the property in april and informed electricity supplier of the move (EON) via their online contact form as we usually do when a tenant leaves any of our properties and put the property up for let whilst sorting out any other issues/refurbishment. in about 2 weeks we get a deemed contract start date with the reading we supplied.

BUT this time it didnt happen we found new tenant via an agent. he applied to his preferred supplier to take electric in april 2015. but was rejected the move of electric so he tried again and same issue. i advised him to speak to EON when he spoke to them they said we dont have this meter.

finally chased it down to BES the tenant contacted them and said release the energy they requested copy of lease and his id etc which he has sent.
he has spent a long time on the phone to them trying to explain he is the new tenant

now they want passport copy of landlord which was requested over the phone. we are reluctant in sending a copy of a sensitive document via email.

it now is July and are worried what the deemed rates will be for the period the landlord was responsible and for the period this is being sorted out.

the tenant is refusing to open his business in case he gets extortionate demands etc.

please advise the quickest/best way to confirm the previous tenant has left and we don't want any more to do with BES and to move to the tenants preferred supplier using the correct readings as provided by us or a legitimate meter reader.

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rebeccaztaylor
Leamington Spa, GB
Jul 01, 2015 9:49 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I work for another energy consultancy/brokerage- a real one! I was visiting a town and came across some chaps who were opening a shop. I told them I'd be very happy to find out who the meters were supplied by, as they'd not received bills yet. I came back to them with this information around a week later, but they told me that 'the meter registration service' had already contacted them. He had told them that he was already dealing with me at our consultancy, and they claimed that I was the one who had asked them to contact him, as his meter was unregistered, emergency rates and so on. That was the first lie in a long series of lies. I have contacted the meter registration service, energy search and BES, they all blame each other and, surprise surprise, were only able to provide me with half a phonecall.

My client has agreed to a five year VARIABLE deal with BES. This is extremely disconcerting, as god only knows how often the rates will vary. We are working to try and get this contract revoked on the grounds that it was mis-sold, misleading, and unfair. We will be joining the class action. My client is gutted that he was duped into this.

I have met a huge amount of businesses who are angry and upset at how unfairly they have been treated by BES. In fact, whenever I meet a BES customer, I ask what their experience has been like, and how they are treated. I would say 90% say they are unhappy with the way BES treat them and many, many have been mis-sold in the same way as most of the people on this thread.

I just want to add that there are good brokers and consultants out there, and we serve a valuable purpose in aiding people with their business energy- the issue is that brokers are mostly unregulated and therefore there are a proportion of them who are liars and con artists. Google the company before working with them! If anyone is coming to the end of their BES contract and would like to move supplier, I would be happy to help with this process. BES can make the leaving process difficult and it will help to have someone with industry knowledge on your side. I don't wish to add the name of the company that I work for, but you can contact me on my personal email address, rebeccaztaylor@outlook.com if you need me. I will fight your corner.

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Elmsdale Guest House
Penzance, GB
Jun 08, 2015 10:23 am EDT

Re Fazfame problem. Do ensure you file your defence and also ask for the hearing to be at your local County Court (it is your right). You need to document your case carefully and tie in each piece of documentary evidence into a narrative that hangs together. You will find that OFGEM have an open investigation (opened 30 Oct 14) into breeches of the electricity supply licence for this company. You can Google it. You can also find Standard Conditions for Electrical Supply Licence availalble on the OFGEM site. Any claimant is obligued to do everything to minimize any loss - if you tried to move to a new supplier but the move was obstructed by the current supplier then the current supplier's claim to lost income (at the higher 'out of contract rate') is open to challenge. Inevitably some parts of your case will lack evidence so the current has to decide on the balance of probabilities what actually happened. If your problem is similar to issues that OFGEM is investigating then the Court is more likely to find in your favour. Be aware debts are sold on at discounted rates to debt collectors at often greatly reduced rates and court cases pursued on the basis that in some cases the defendant does not defend the case in which case a judgment is awarded automatically in favour of the claimant

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BESUtilities
Fleetwood|, GB
May 11, 2015 5:41 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Good morning,

We're sorry to read about your complaint and we are keen to investigate. Please send your account and complaint details to forums@besutilities.co.uk and we will respond to you ASAP.

Regards,

BES Utilities Online Team