British Gas don't have my account on record

naboyce

Hi, after numerous phone calls to MPAS/British Gas/Other energy suppliers i have discovered that British Gas have no record of an account for my flat and that they are VERY confused. The building was renovated in 2006 and i think the old flats were split up to form 8 new ones. Apparently, neither the builders nor the estate agent nor the landlord informed British Gas to register the new meters (or not properly anyway). As a result I have not received a bill (gas or electric) and have been living here since January 2008. On too many occasions to mention i (or my flatmates) have been kept on hold by British Gas only to be met by absolute confusion and a suggestion that we contact someone else. Now, in the most recent (hour long) telephone call it seems there may be progress and they MAY be able to fathom whose meter is whose and why our flat doesn't exist on their system. However, i have been asked to call MPAS again to get a code so i can ring them back and they can try to match up serial numbers/meter point reference numbers and start up an account for us. Now, I have been very honest and spent hours on the phone seemingly fighting to give my money away to someone who doesn't want it but Im sure if this account does eventually get opened there will be a huge debt to pay (10 months of gas and electric!). My question is: what are my rights? if i continue to slip under the radar am i still obliged to pay the full amount EVENTUALLY? can i get compensation for the huge inconvenience? Any advice greatly appreciated.

schrojen

Kind of the same happened to me, moved inot house which had been converted, 4 meters on the outside wall,called them and they have only record of 3.Called them many time in fact. Never got anywhere.There were no bills to any occupiers/else either. This is now 5 years ago. never paid anything ! Even better in my last flat they told me I have a prepaid meter...which I didnt, was on the phone to them so many times.Again paid nothing !! I think British gas are just completely rubbish, they must miss out on millions by these errors...:rolleyes:

SwanJon

If they have not created a bill, they can only create one for the last 12 months, so that'll be the maximum size of the bill. You've made all the running so far, so if you've not so far, start putting money aside for the 12 month bill when it arrives.

Renovations can be a nightmare, especially with the various people involved. BEst one I had was when house 12 was split into 2 flats, with upstairs becoming 12 and downstairs being 12a. Problem was the original meter never moved, and someone somewhere assumed that the new meter would be 12a (it makes sense).
So long as they have all the right information (serial number, MPR/MPAN, correct address) they have all they need to solve it. Take readings every so often, keep them, and wait for them to get in touch while your savings build up.

spiro

naboyce, if you PM me your address/meter serial number I can search MPAS for you and provide you with details of the MPANs listed at the site. This will also indicate who the supplier is for each MPAN. If there is no MPAN for your site then a new one may not have been issued when the conversion took place. This means the meter operator fitted the meter with no authorisation from the registered supplier. If you dont exists then a supplier may have to treat you as a New Connection.