N Power problem, Gas not read for over 2 years

bigstevex

I'm posting this on behalf of a friend,

They have just received a gas bill for £800, the list of events goes like this,

September 2006 the gas meter was last read.

They were on a low fixed tariff which they came off in Septmeber last year and now due to n power taking an actual meter reading recently they have been sent a massive bill which is obviously on a much higher standard tariff too.

Can anyone give me some advice to pass on please, they want to leave N power asap but can't as they are obviously in debt by £800 now,

Magentasue

Have they been submitting regular meter readings while the readings have been estimated?

bigstevex

Nope, they have never submitted reading because they assumed n power were taking them due to the fact they always came and did the eleccy one, they just didn't know they weren't taking the gas ones

Magentasue

Are they sure the meter hasn't been read? The bills would have said that the readings were estimated.

If the readings were estimated, and they didn't submit their own, did they record the meter reading in September when their fixed tariff ended?

bigstevex

again unfortunately not, the only indication they really got was the big bill, i don't think they knew they could submit there own, I thought there was a rule about how often the companies have to read your meter?

Magentasue

Yes, every two years, I think.

Quite honestly, I can't see why npower should do anything except agree to a reasonable plan to repay the debt. You could ask for some kwh to be charged at pre-Sept prices, but why should they? Every bill or statement I've ever had, has quite clearly shown where readings are estimated and invited customer readings.

bigstevex

Very true, I always submit my own readings, some people just assume too much I guess!