Old British Gas Bill

SAHJW

Can anyone please help?
I signed up to British Gas dual fuel back in Oct 2006 and they have been taking my direct debit every month.
About three months ago i was contacted by them offering me electricity at which point I advised them I was already with them so assumed it was an incorrect sales call.
This morning I have received a bill to 'The Occupier' for 3 years of electricty which is over £2000.
I honestly thought I was paying both through my DD but it looks as though they have only been charging me for my gas.
Can anyone tell me where I stand?
I would like as much info as possible before I contact BG.
Thanks

ALIBOBSY

If they have never sent any other electric bill to the address you could try the legislation where they are limited to billing for the last year only. However they may argue you never tried to contact them during the period. The fact that they knew you were at the address does support your position that they should have been able to bill you earlier.

Do you have any letters from 2006 confirming you signed up to duel fuel? This would be absolute evidence that they have failed to bill you, ie their error and so they should only bill for 12 months.
Obviously initially they will bill for the whole period hoping people will pay.
Hopfully they will accept the 12 month arguement without you having to go further. If you can't afford the full payment you should be able to negotiate a payment plan, but be prepared for your direct debit to shoot up. You need current usage plus the arrears to go on to the amount you pay already.

BTW how much was your direct debit? It would be unrealistic to imagine say £50 a month was covering both gas and electric.

ali x

SAHJW

Thanks so much for you help.
Can you tell me more about this 12 month legislation? I've never heard of it.
I've been paying £76/month. I'm hoping that I'm in credit with my gas and they can use some of that against it.