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

Wouldn't it be better to create a closed group and compare notes rather than post publicly and allow BES to read every bit of information you all seemed to have gained. Mud slinging isn't necessarily the best way forward. Constructive sharing of information is. What I am trying to say is if you have something relevant that would be of use to others then share it but off the public platform.

You've forgotten to mention the way the small businesses are ripped off paying 'default rate' when they inevitably cancel their direct debits after having several hundreds if not thousands removed from their accounts with no explanation.

I took this up with Ofgem as it seemed to be a breach of Section 22 of the License Conditions - only to be told Section 22 only applies to Domestic accounts. Likewise cooling off periods, only apply to domestic customers.

This company have trawled through every difference between Domestic and Commercial contracts, found all the loopholes and niches that they can play on to fraudulently rip people off. Andy Pilley's criminal record as a thieving Postman is enough to build up a picture as this company being something you want to steer WELL CLEAR of!

Where it states on your website that you are UPTO 40% cheaper, is there any evidence of this :
I believe that your Electricity:
Standing Charge is roughly 19 pence a day approx
Unit Rate 14/15 pence pkwh approx not fixed rate but a market tracking tariff
this is for a premises in the North West, single rate meter...
Gas Meter in same area using less than 2, 500 therms your price:
0 (zero) standing charge
5-5.42 pkwh on a budget plan
There are several suppliers on the market with rates alot cheaper for instance
Electricity
29 pence per day standing charge (fixed rate)
11.46 pkwh
Gas
0 (zero) standing charge
3.44 pkwh (fixed rate)
E-on, Brit Gas, Total, SSE, Haven, Eco, NPower, Scottish Power, Opus to name a few all cheaper !

And then there was silence...

DominicL82
### ...to believe that this is a real account!, let's see BES have several departments Credit Control, SPA, Billing, COT'S, COT Sales, PDV and Customer services, Credit Control Team Leader Joanne, PDV( Pre Disconnection Visits Team) Damien (Damo), Cot Sales Stacey COT'S Mike i could go on and on and also supply all surnames ...
Obviously not looked closely enough at the advert ! Telephone Number and Company Name don't actually marry up...
[protected] is Commercial Power (Andy Pilleys) company, but the job is for telesales staff for Commercial Energy (Lee Goulding/Qualters ) company ..

ExEmployeesofBES, you have to be a ### to believe you're a real account. My money is on a Neil-Uk copy account or just another random user trying to stir trouble. An FYI, there's nothing wrong with the ad...?

Lets get back to the real reason this thread was set up. If you have a genuine complaint about BES please feel free to post on here. I am sure that people who would genuinely like help can read between the lines of who is genuine and who is not including some of the above new bloggers. Most of the recent posts have only joined in the last day or so and are opposed to anyone saying anything negative about BES. I am sure that if you have found yourself on here you have genuine concerns about the gas/electric supply and whether you have any concerns about the contract you have been sold. Please feel free to post on here where I am sure someone genuine will help you. It is a shame that some people have been posting on this thread when they really should be concentrating on the investigation that Ofgem are carrying out into BES. if you care to see what BES are being investigated for just google Ofgem and look at their investigations page. Hopefully the 'ExemployeesofBES' will have been in touch with Ofgem to help them with their investigation!

CAN ANYONE SPOT THE MISTAKES IN THIS JOB ADVERT, WHICH WAS ADVERTISED ON THE JOB CENTRE WEBSITE?
Job summary

Job ID
268386
Posting Date
10/07/2014
Location
UK-NW-BLACKPOOL
Industries
Energy and utilities
Job type
Full time
Career level
Experienced (Non-Manager)
Salary
Basic plus comission
Job reference code
ElecR2

Company confidential
Energy Consultant
Job description

Commercial Energy are looking for young exciting, outgoing and honest people that our clients and customers will never forget. We believe that a company's brand and values should be distinctive and define the very reason it exists. For any company to progress every member of the team must share the same values.

Do you believe you get out of life what you put in?
Do you believe it's cool to enjoy your work?
Do you believe you should like the team you work with?
Do you believe it's ok to look for the positive in bad situation?

If you feel this could be you, keep reading.

At Commercial Energy, we're looking for people with a passion for utilities. Servicing our valuable client base and recruiting referrals from current customers.

Requirements:
* Excellent Communication skills
* Great attitude/ Positive outlook
* Desire to be recognized for your achievements
* Team-oriented and driven to achieve goals

SEND YOUR CV TODAY FOR CONSIDERATION!

Our interview process involves a 20-minute first round interview, which is a brilliant chance to meet one of our managers and find out more about the company.

If you would describe yourself as highly ambitious with an excellent work ethic, determination and entrepreneurial spirit then we would be very keen to hear from you!

Location: Blackpool
Earnings: Basic plus comission, to be discussed at interview. Great bonus scheme and fun incentives also included.

Contact: [protected]
Start Date: Immediate
Apply
Or, tell us why you don't wish to apply for this job.

Anything at all anyone wants to know message us.

dominicL82
I have posted twice with regards to the user having their location as United States, I honestly thought that Angie1976 was on the wrong forum but obviously not
Angie1976
Your Welcome

I'd say it's more embarrassing for Angie who doesn't know where she lives...

Oooops!

Thank you for pointing that out.

Barney12345, take a breath and chill out! You've posted 4 times regarding the fact a user has just not bothered to change their location on their profile. This is practically getting embarrassing now for you... wow.

To
Ben Jones – CEO, BES Utilities
Firstly after reading through this forum there are a lot of unhappy customers.
I would like to give you this opportunity to be Honest and Transparent about BES.
For instance if a customer calls in with a query to how he/she is in a 5 yr contract with yourselves when the sales agent said it would be a 2 yr fixed rate agreement and they believe they have been mis sold, I believe you listen to the verbal recording and tell the customer that is what they agreed too and the contract will stand . If the customer asks for which broker sent this contract to them you (BES) say you dont hold that information, if customer isnt happy and requests to speak to a manager I believe theres around a 48 hour wait for a manager call back. Customer Services Advisor can email there manager and ask him/her to send an email to Compliance at Bispham for them to listen to the front end of the recording if it is the case that the email comes back stating that the sales agent did say a 2yr fixed rate agreement and not the 5 yr then at this point shouldnt the customer be released from the contract due to being mis-sold the contract or at least be honest with the customer and say that you have listened to the up front recording and that your sorry this has happened, instead you (BES) say that u have had a word with the manager and as a goodwill gesture as you (the customer) have no prove that this was said between customer and the sales agent you (BES) are willing to say reduce the term of the contract or knock say a penny of the unit rate to try and smooth customer over.
From an article by Helen Loveless Daily Mail
quoting:
Controversial businessman Andrew Pilley, the man behind energy supplier BES and energy broker Commercial Power, which have been the subject of many complaints, last month set up an 'aggregator' forum for brokers who do substantial amounts of business with suppliers.

According to Pilley, many of Ofgem's proposals - such as making a declaration of commission mandatory and requiring all calls to be recorded - would be unworkable.

He claimed it would cost too much to record and retain all telephone calls and said the proposals would also raise data protection issues.

Pilley added: 'Our industry is encouraging self-regulation and as one of leading aggregators, the only solution is for us to work together and strive towards best practice.'

Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-1724101/Ofgem-crackdown-small-firm-energy-touts.html#ixzz3PMGBiEgl
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

So why is it that you already have all the calls recorded and it is workable for you(BES) but not the customer ?
I appreciate that the independent brokers that submit business through Commercial Power for BES if a complaint comes in with regards to one of those brokers BES gives out the business name and address, but what about the contracts that come over from Bispham Lee Goulding/Qualters business Commercial Energy and half a dozen other names they use why isnt there details given out ? and why is all of the call recorded, obviously not for training only thing i can think off is that the sales agent would probably get a roasting and possible claw back of commission !

Hi Angie1976
Member since Jan 17, 2015
United States

I'm glad your happy with your supplier BES, Are you on the right site as it states your in United States and as far as im aware Andy Pilley(owner of BES) doesnt have a licensee to supply overseas this is a UK commercial energy supplier ?

I've posted two comments on here yesterday but they are not here

Just found this on another site :
Commercial Reduction Services/auto-renewal

Hello,

first timer here.

I'm getting repeated calls from a company called 'Commercial Reduction Services'.

Their story is that the govenment has recently passed a law that allows utility companies to auto-renew contracts
and put the prices up at the same time.

They wanted me to sign an electronic document (an LOA) which would get me out of this.
I delete these when they send them.

Having been fast-talked by a utility broker when I set up my business
I've learnt the hard way not to agree to anything offered by door-to-door or telephone sales people,
and the (brief) research I've done talks about power companies dropping auto-renewal last year,
and my contract still has 18 months to go anyway.

ALL LIES OWNER OF THIS COMPANY IS Daz Martindale who works for Andy Pilley out of Darwin Court Bispham where Commercial Power, Commercial Energy, Choice Utilities, Energy uk Electricity renewals etc all trade from. Andy Pilley has units 2 through to unit 7 DO NOT SIGN ANY FORM ELECTRONIC LOA'S EVER

Angie1976
Not everybody is a disgruntled customer of BES and sounds as though your quite happy with them since joining them in December, there fitting the free of charge smart meter for you, only thing thats bothering me is that your in the United States and this is a Commercial Supplier in the UK Only ...

Benji, I was winding you up. My words were: "So what if I'm a utility broker?"... Not that I actually am. Have a word with Patrick Newell your in-house incompetent solicitor, or your boss Pilley who threatened to sue me, or the law firm they instructed to threaten me... They will confirm I am anything but in the energy industry.

I don't look silly at all - you in fact look rather stupid for believing me... Somewhere on the dark depths of the BES CRM I am there, quite obviously as I am someone they attempted to scam. Certainly NOT a customer, with your office phoning me 55 times a day I smelt a big rat...

Benji, what do you have against the UIA? They are the industry organisation that regulate energy brokers who are members... Which oddly none of Pilley's best mates company's are members of... I'm sure they UIA would welcome Pilley's mates as members if they were prepared to follow their codes of honesty and ethics...

Hiya Benji...I am surprised that you feel the need to make personal insults to me but I think that says far more about you than me. I wonder why you feel the need to launch a personal attack on me when I have never said anything personal about you.
When you can answer the questions I put to you in my previous post Benji then I will enter into a reasoned discussion and debate with you. Until then I am not going to get involved in any further responses to you or your newly enrolled friends. although I will be happy to help and support anyone who has a genuine concern which is the whole point of consumer forums such as this.

Morning All,
As expected the trolls have been busy over the weekend.

Hilarious that NeilUK finally comes out and admits he is a utility broker, its been pretty obvious for a while really hasnt it.

Shame on you Neil it seems to me that you have been caught out profiteering by trolling on the internet.

Why have you only come clean now Neil, you would have looked a bit silly at the beginning eh, rather pretend that your a customer?

It was obvious throughout, why else would someone post hundreds of times on so many forums in such a short space of time.

If it wasn't for Neil and the deranged Shelly and the UIA this thread wouldn't even exist ;)

It's clear to see that when somebody joins this thread without the intention of saying something negative re BES, Shelly and Neil-UK are very quick in asking questions about that user and perform some sort of online interrogation on them. You are the BULLIES OF THE THREAD! Leave the new users alone and let them express their opinions!

But now that people are starting to ask questions about you two, you get very defensive and we learn that one of you may be a secret utility broker trying the sway potential BES customers (funny how you didn't find it worthwhile to mention this as you continue to post about BES) and the other an obsessive old disgruntled customer that has had their issue resolved but continues to embarrass themselves posting online about an issue that doesn't concern them anymore. It's almost turning into a pantomime!

And before you ask; no, i won't comply to your online gestapo-like interrogation questions so it doesn't matter who I am or why I'm posting - none of your business! I'll be too busy microwaving some popcorn to enjoy whilst I sit back and await your petty onslaught.

Hiya Angie1976.
I am sure that people join consumer forums such as this for a whole variety of reasons but I am sure that most people join because they have a complaint or a concern about a company. If you have joined to ask questions and find out information (as you say you have) then I will be interested to see what questions you ask and what information you feel you need. I am sure that there are people on here who would be more than happy to offer you advice and assistance, myself included.
However, as with Benji2015, I find it very strange that you join this forum within the last couple of days and the only post you make is in regards to BES. Perhaps you can explain the reason behind this when such a simple question seems to be beyond Benji. I am also surprised that you can get BES to supply your gas and electricity being as your profile says you are from the USA (but perhaps that is a typo on your part).
The reason that people are only commenting on BES on this thread is that the thread is about BES! If I wanted to post about E-on, NPower etc then I would be posting on a different thread. You say that you have read the entire thread (which started back in 2012) so I wonder what views you have formed of BES when reading some of the postings? I hope you will be very happy with BES as your supplier and that you enjoy your new smart meter but as you will have read from some of the posts that is not everyone's experience.

Hi all,

Just read this whole thread with interest after joining BES in December then being bombarded with brokers and suppliers calls trying to sell me their products.

Shelly I disagree with your comments as people join this (like me) to ask questions and find out more information. Are you claiming you can only join if you need to moan?

Are you supplied by BES, I've seen a representative is on this forum helping people resolve their issues so hasn't yours been fixed now? I have my smart meter being fitted next week which I think will be fantastic for me.

Ps. Benji has a point most people commenting on here only post about BES and seem to have a hidden agenda. Trolls might be a fitting description for some of you ; )

Hiya Benji2015...let's get a few things straight. Firstly I am not and never have been an internet troll and secondly I have one user name that I post under (this one).
I note that you failed to answer ANY of the questions that I asked of you in my earlier post. Why is that?
Also, if according to you 'word has it that me and Neil are active energy brokers operating through the UIA' perhaps you could give me the names and addresses of the people who are alleging this. I am sure I can find a firm of solicitors in the Blackpool area who would be happy to issue a letter to the offenders threatening them with action under the defamation laws.
I can assure you that I am not and never have been an energy broker. Indeed, I knew nothing about energy brokers until I was lied to and conned by one earlier in 2014.
So, again perhaps you can answer the questions that I asked in my earlier post as the unhealthy obsession seems to be coming from your direction.

Actually not, I just dislike dishonest companies, I believe in a fair playing field ... I've only posted as Neil-UK, so your claim I have done otherwise is unfounded and false. Abuse would be if I said something false (like you have above about me), everything I've ever said about BES has been true and I can prove it as such. Get a dictionary.

What word is this? So what if I'm a utility broker? Small businesses deserve an honest, transparent and professional service which is the polar opposite of what BES give.

So who are you really Benji? You're not that in the BES marketing department that tried to get an internet blog shut down by lying to the webmaster are you? Sounds to me like you're just another scared kit that works in the BES office having preempted your inevitable unemployment...

I still see that you haven't answered any of my questions? I can assure you that I am not an Internet troll or broker and neither do I operate as anything other than a disgruntled consumer. I am at a loss why you are paying such a keen interest in Neil especially as you only signed up to the complaints board yesterday? You seem to be trying to discredit Neil for helping others, why? For someone who doesn't have a complaint about BES I struggle to see why you're on here at all. Perhaps if you answer the questions I asked you in my previous post all would become apparent. I still await your answers with interest.

Hi Shelly, its clear for all to see that you and in particular Neil UK are internet trolls with an healthy obsession for abusing BES.
How many different user names are you posting as? Neil UK has at least 8 !
Word has it that you and Neil are active utility brokers operating through the UIA (brokers).
Show potential customers bad posts re BES and then move them elsewhere,
Quids in eh?
I brace myself for the immanent response from Neil the troll, no doubt after he has consumed a few bottles of wine ;)

Hi Shelly, its clear for all to see that you and in particular Neil UK are no more than internet trolls with a BES obsession.
It doesn't matter why I joined the forum its not relevant to you/
Why are you constantly defending Neil UK ?
Word is that you and Neil UK are utility brokers through a company called the UIA.
Making a nice few quid by slating BES everyday eh, show them the posts on the forum and move them to a different supplier.
Quids in !
How many user names have you got ? Neil UK has at least 8.
I brace myself for the immanent response from Neil the Troll !
No doubt after he's consumed a few bottles of wine .

Hiya Benji2015. Being as I see that you only became a member of Complaints Board today and have only made this one post perhaps some questions should be directed at you rather than Neil-uk.
Could you explain why you have joined Complaints Board today (the clue for most people joining is in the name 'Complaints Board' but you don't seem to have made a complaint).
Could you explain what your involvement with BES is please as it seems strange to me that you join Complaints Board today and then make the post that you have. It almost feels as tho you have been directed to this site specifically to question people who have posted about BES.
Also you say that Neil-uk is continually attempting to damage BES's reputation online. Have you not done even a cursory check on the internet to see the standing that BES have on this and other forums among numerous other websites. In the interests of fairness perhaps you could post some links to websites that are positive about BES?
I await your replies with interest

Neil-uk, you have 34 posts on this website, all of which are on this thread and all of which can be perceived as abusive and negative towards BES. What have they done to you in order for you to become unnaturally obsessed and continually attempt to damage their reputation online? From what i've read, I don't see anything...

- Benji

Thank you Neil for getting the posts removed. We also reported them as spam.

(I should add my comments above related the enormous amount of spam added to this website, which the good people that are the Administrators have now removed)

Do you guys realise how closely Ofgem monitor this website?

They KNOW this trolling is by BES employees - and the more you post/visit the website the higher the Google ranking!

Tell me, how big is the job centre in Blackpool? Big enough to fit the BES office in?

Mr Pilley, if you're reading this, I hope you've not booked your train tickets to London? It would appear your appointment has been canceled...

Shelly8748 thats great, i've been given private.office@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk this goes through to George Osbornes personal secretary

For anyone who would like to raise any concerns or questions with George Osborne ahead of next weeks meeting the contact details according to Google for e-mail is public.enquiries@hm-treasury.gov.uk or via phone at [protected] or via writing to The Correspondence & Enquiry Unit, HM Treasury, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ.

Thank you for informing us of this wilkz. I am sure that many people will want to see this. We are definitely interested and will be taking this forward.

Local entrepreneur and also Chairman of Fleetwood Town Football Club, Andy Pilley, is thrilled to have been invited to a reception at 11 Downing Street, hosted by the Chancellor, George Osborne.

The Chancellor is leading a government programme to create a new ‘Northern economic powerhouse’ and next week’s event has been organised as an opportunity for business leaders to share their views and insight with MPs and government officials.

As well as operating as the Chairman of Fleetwood Town Football Club, Andy Pilley owns several businesses in the North-West region, including BES Utilities, a leading commercial energy and telecom supplier.

This invitation from the Chancellor is especially timely, given BES Utilities’ recent announcement that they intend to be the first supplier to cut electricity prices by 7% in April this year, resulting in significant savings for its small business customers. This decision was announced just days after Mr Osborne’s comments in the media regarding the need for energy customers to benefit from the recent drop in the price of oil.

Speaking today, Andy Pilley said:

“This invitation from the Chancellor is a fantastic opportunity for me to share my views on how the Government can achieve its goal of bringing more powers and economic security to the North-West, and I’m honoured to be able to represent the local community at this event.

“I’ve been involved in local business for many years and can’t wait to bring the benefit of my experience to the table, including views from a range of industries - energy, tourism and professional football.”

“This is also a chance for me to reiterate the need for more energy suppliers to follow the lead announced by BES Utilities last week, reducing prices for customers when they need it most. This week I have written to the Chancellor and other leading politicians to offer my support for price cuts and also my advice on how BES has achieved this as a smaller, independent supplier, when many of the ‘big 6’ companies are reluctant to do so.”

So why is it other smaller energy companies have reduced there tariffs with IMMEDIATE effect ?

Mr Pilley has been invited to attend a meeting with the Chancellor at 10 downing street, (see www.fleetwoodtownfc.com) I suspect the chancellor is not aware of the Ofgem investigation, and possible legal action against Mr Pilley

As we know BES instructed lawyers who attempt to have threads like these removed - and run after people like myself for damages under the Deformation Act.

It's brilliantly ironic that the obvious employees at BES have totally f**ked any attempt at legal action whatsoever, because as well all know to sue for damages you need to PROVE that you've taken reasonable steps to minimise them!

Unfortunately, BES trolls, you've bolloxed attempts to clear up BES terrible reputation as a bunch of liars - but also made them look even worse by showing the level of professionalism of the employees they use. Well done! Clearly Andy Pilley the fraudster will be very proud...but I imagine when Ofgem shut him down he will have significantly more money then his employees to sit on while in prison!