Scottish/British Gas - Do they know what they're doing?

iscrimger

I got my first bill for my new flat about the middle of November. So far Scottish Gas had been fairly good compared to Scottish Power but the first bill has brought some problems.

It's a £128, I didn't really have a problem with it as it sounds about right but I checked the meter readings and they were completely wrong. They were using meter readings from my previous home. When we joined I gave them the initial reading etc and weeks later someone came a read the meter and the bill states it was 'A' for actual. I phoned up and asked how it was possible, I was told "Yes we read the meter as 01413" But the bill however has the reading as 02898. I asked why. The response "You told us it was 02898". But you read it yourself I asked. This was met with silence. I told them that was a meter reading for my previous home which the final bill had already been received with that reading. Again more silence and confused groans from their end.

She told me it would take 6 weeks to sort and did I have the original move-in meter reading. Well some 6 months on - no I don't surely they do as they asked for them!! She takes another reading and says they'll look into it.

At 4am this morning the phone rings. I don't answer, if it was serious whoever it was would phone my mobile. It stops ringing. It starts up again. I was curious now but I still wasn't getting out of bed. Stops again. Then starts again. This went on 5 times each time the phone rang until BT 1571 answers. On the 5th time I answer the phone - now slightly angry. I hear an automated message from Scottish Gas telling me they need to speak to me and can I call them!!!!! I just know its about the bill that I haven't paid but this is ridiculous. This isn't the first time either they've called early hours and told me to call them.

I'm already regretting this Fixed Price contract I have with them!!

SwanJon

OK, it shouldn't take 6 weeks to fix (about half an hour maybe), so email/write/call in to the complaints address/number.
Give them the current reading along with any others you have, and ask them to recalculate the bill.
As to the call at 4am, really make a big noise about that - I've not heard of the system, but it's obviously not doing what it should be.