Recently moved house, do we need to pay old supplier ?

laura2506

We moved in to a house early March and contacted British Gas to say we wanted to stay with them.
Previous owners told us they were with Powergen !!! We kept getting numerous letters for the previous occupier from Powergen, but they hardly ever came to collect their mail. We emailed Powergen to ask them what the situation was and they said they want us to contact them when British gas have taken over the supply and they will then send us an estimated bill from the day we arrived to the day BG took over !!! Is this right ???

The reason I ask is that British gas told me I wouldnt get billed for the first month I was in the property, as it would take a while to swap the gas supplier over !! Are Powergen right in asking us for money ? Had we not contacted them, they would not have had a clue we were in the property.

SaveMoreMoney

If you haven't already, I'd definately take meter readings yourself..........like NOW !

I'd be wary about the 'estimated bill' from Powergen...........far better to get some figures of your own usage.

I take it that you did take some figures when you decided to start the process to switch to BG ? Or that you took figures when you moved in ?

Keep a record of weekly usage until you actually switch to BG, as then if Powergen send you a high 'estimated' bill, you might be able to sort out a more accurate figure based on your average usage.

laura2506

Yes, we did take a meter reading. Hubby has kept hold of it.

My main point is though, can Powergen charge us ? I was under the impression from BG that we wouldnt have to pay anything until they took over.

SaveMoreMoney

If you use Powergen 'electricity/gas' then yes you need to pay for it....even for a few weeks.

When I moved to my house a couple of years ago, I had a small amount to pay between moving in and switching..........strangly enough to Powergen (who have been absolutely fine).