25 Feb 2015

A question about : NPower suddenly appears on my file

I've been with NPower for about 3 years and they've never appeared on my credit file until now, why is this? I've been in credit, in debit, in credit again, either or they've still never showed up until now. Any ideas?

Best answers:

  • A lot of companies reserve the right to report to the CRA's. I guess they have decided to do this.
    If the account is paid on time etc then it will be a good thing.
  • Utility companies are now starting to report to the CRA's. So late payment will now be visible to all.
    Overall will improve the quality of data as will be very apparent if an individual is struggling with their bills.
  • I've always paid on time yes. Sometimes there's a balance, sometimes its in credit (summer/winter) to which they amend my DD to catch up, i presume this is normal practise and not viewed as derogatory?
  • This is very bad, I have recently argued with BG over increasing my bill for dual fuel as I know that I generally go into debit over winter then have high credits during summer. I have refused an increase of my DD until a review in summer, can they then report that I am not paying my bill?
    When I changed supplier in November last year I was 400 in credit after 18months & they were of course in no rush to tell me this or refund my money during my contract so why should I pay more when I know my usage will level out. Very very bad practice imo.
  • This has just happened to me - 2 npower accounts, 1 for gas and 1 for electricity - so now it looks like I have applied for loads of new credit. Just when I was actually about to apply for a new 0% card
  • I've just called Experian for some clarification. I am worried - i have a year-long complaint running with them and an outstanding balance that is amongst that complaint. However they've told me it is currently showing as a green 'U' that is quite positive for me, however he said that if the outstanding balance was to appear and i was disputing that amount then i can attach a note to explain that the amount was being disputed.
    I could go into my complaint but thats a whole other thread! Its basically exactly what has been reported in the media lately - not being able to set up accounts and DDs. They are pathetic.
  • They have just registered me with Experian for two accounts even though i only receive one dual fuel bill ?..I opened my account with them in 2008 over the phone with just my name (intial and surname)and address and meter readings , nothing else. When you ring these retards they ask you to key in your D.O.B which i have never given them, i have to key 3 times a made up DOB before it moves on. when you get to call center halfwit they ask for me to confirm my telephone number ,which i have never given them.!I have never signed or agreed for them to share my information.I spoke to the slopping shoulders call center at Experian who said that its just them and British gas who are doing this at the minute ,,I then tried Ofgem (complete waste of space) then Data protection who said they were fine with it ,,so as usual no one gives a stuff ,CRA's continue to allow more and more people to do a search without the permission of the individual etc ,,and then you have to get them to remove said searches ,Its a disgrace and they need to be watched.
  • I often wonder whether we'd all be better off if the CRAs didn't exist.[/QUOTE]
    Of course we would , i borrow thousands and none of the banks i use give a monkeys about half the stuff on these sites.
    Unfortunately the government like to snoop more then anyone and like these data bases to be around as they could be usefull to them.
    CRA'S were set up to prevent careless people getting into more debt, now it has become a cash cow industry.
    does this site have any experts who give their advice or opinions,what about Mr Lewis who sold out for a few million whats hes take on this?
  • The main reason for the start of this snooping is to see gaps of unpaid periods ,which rings alarm bells to utility companys ,let me explain.
    there has been a big rise in the number of people who buy Gas Meters from ebay etc and swap them over for the winter period , So now if your report shows your using electric but no gas ,,you may get a visit.!
    This is also the reason for smart meters which will be rolled out by 2016 ,,the reason they give for installing them is that you are too stupid and thick to know what your heating costs are but really,,,they want to be the only ones doing the robbing ,not you.
    Hope this helps give you some food for thought!
  • I think it's usual for dual fuel arrangements to be registered as two accounts as each will be a separate agreement. I have different account numbers on my gas and electricity bills even though they're with the same supplier. Importantly, the start date shown should reflect when the account was opened not first shared with the CRAs so if it's a mature account your credit rating should benefit from this. Utility firms are beginning to share data and it's something featured in MSE's credit rating guide. I think it's a very positive development for people - most of us don't pay late or get into disputes so will be collecting additional positive credit history information. However, if you do get into a genuine dispute with any creditor then existing data-sharing rules mean that adverse information should not be registered on your credit report while the dispute is ongoing.
    James J
  • And another thing - half the time these disreputable utility companies owe us money! It's a pity we can't sanction them by adversely affecting their ability to obtain finance in the marketplace when they don't pay refunds in a timely manner.
  • Gingerbob, you have the sanction of taking your custom elsewhere. Your comment that lenders are just interested in defaults is far from the truth. Try applying for credit with no defaults but no positive data either and see how you get on. Our role is to help people build up a positive body of evidence of their creditworthiness so you can port that to any lender you choose to deal with. In that respect this is a very positive development for consumers, particularly people who don't tend to use more traditional credit products such as cards and loans very often.
    James J
  • Energy companies are also creditors and are required to lend and collect fairly and responsibly. Sharing data with other credit providers helps them do this. With utility providers it's not about which customers to accept but understanding a customer's financial situation and managing the account appropriately based on this knowledge. Most customers do run their accounts well and will as a result benefit from additional positive information on their credit reports. Contrary to what you and the other poster you quote say, positive account information from utility providers is likely to boost credit ratings.
    James J
  • I have no issues that they will be reporting however I do think companies should not be allowed to suddenly share information from existing customers.
    It should be "Ok from MARCH2014 we are going to report to CRA's" so it should only be any customers who joined after this time. It just doesn't sit right to me personally when your account can suddenly appear.
    For example BT suddently recorded my account on Equifax the year before last for an account that was closed in 2008, the acccount was run with no defaults or late payments so no real issue but it just feels wrong to suddenly appear.
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