Warning about Direct Debits and British Gas

freesp1r1t

I signed up for duel fuel with British Gas in April '06, I also opted for a capped rate until April '09. After listening to Martin talking about the new price increases on Radio 2 yesterday I realised it had been ages since I'd last had an Electric bill from them.

I got my bill file out and saw the last bill I'd recieved from them was in May '07 so I rang them, 20 minutes later at 0845 telephone rates they finally answered the phone, appologised for me not being sent my bills but offered no explanation. I then signed up for paperless billing so I could see my account on-line immediately. How glad I am I did, it seems somewhere after May '07 they'd switched my fixed rate tariff to the higher priced tariffs, conveniently not sent me bills so I could see.

After yet another lengthy telephone call I finally got them to admit they'd cocked up and that my account would be in considerable credit. Will they be refunding the exess in my account, no chance. They think I'm going to wait until October and then request a refund and reassessment myself :mad: . Yeah right !

They'd also inreased my D/D by £12 a month without any notification to me whatever,

I know I've been stupid not keeping a closer eye on things, but if your supplier is British Gas please double check you are still on the tariff you signed up for.