EON billing fiddle or mistake?

herald188

I received my bill from EON last week for my electricity supply. I noticed that it was based upon an estimated reading, though there is no reason why it should have been as my meter is in an outside box.

The previous bill was based upon an actual reading taken in May.

The estimate was low by 600kWh compared to an actual reading taken by me on the day the bill arrived (a week after the estimate date).

In the past this wouldn't have bothered me too much as it would have sorted itself out when the meter was next read.

Nowadays with the price increasing on a regular basis, the situation is different. EON had a price increase on 22nd August, and they make a further estimate (using their already inaccurate original estimate) of how much of the usage would be at the pre increase price and how much at the new price. I assume this is done on a pro-rata basis. This meant that (as their estimate was low) I was being charged for less usage at the previous (cheaper) rate and my next bill would 'catch up' at their new increased rate.

I 'phoned EON and gave them the actual reading, and was promised an amended bill.

Today the amended bill has arrived; now they have added the correct reading onto the estimated reading, effectively meaning that I have used 600kWh in one week all at their new increased rate!

Back on the 'phone to EON again. Amazingly the lady at EON knew exactly what I was talking about! She told me that the previous operator had made an error! When I remarked that a cynical person might have thought that it was a deliberate action by EON to make a bit more money I didn't receive a reply. I have now been promised another amended bill dated back to the date of the previous known good meter reading.

So, make sure that any estimated bills are reasonably accurate before filing them away!!!

Dreamnine

SSE did exactly the same with me. I think they were hoping that I would go 'Oh, that's low- I'll stick with them.' Previously they had always sent out a bill based on my online meter readings; additionally, a meter reader regularly checks it.

Also,the bill was a few weeks late- they waited until they had announced a massive price hike before sending out this 'low' bill. Have written to My M.P. regarding this practise, but since my M.P. is Alastair Darling, don't hold out much hope.