British Gas - final bill and complaint?

Huscarl

On Sept 4th 09 I moved house, from a flat using BG's electric-only utility, to a flat where the landlord pays the electric (hence my saving money by not paying for gas/electric).

Before the move, I owed about £330-ish, was ok about paying for what I had used and phoned BG in late August 09 to inform them of my move. I was told to call them with a reading after I moved.

After the move, I decided instead to email BG with my accurate final reading, using their own website online form. They emailed back asking for a few more details etc (account number and address) despite my having been thorough.

Next, they said that they didn't receive the online form and asked again, by which time I had thrown the reading and was getting final bills for £399.93, which was an estimate.

I emailed the Complaints people and emails back and forth followed, ultimately they said that they couldn't find the email/reading or act any further than me paying the final bill.

I 'phoned Consumer Direct (independent advisory body) and was advised to not pay anything now, instead email BG (FAO Andy Eley, in the Complaints Management Team) explaining the whole saga, with;

• demanding a full investigation as I dispute £399.93
• mentioning that I had contacted Consumer Direct (who advised the content of the letter)
• demanding a 10-day reply
• asking for a deadlock letter
• attached screenprints of the emails involved

I have yet to hear a reply, but I will take it to the Ombudsman.

Am I on the right track? What can I do? Simply pay the darned amount above?

Thanks

Premier_2

Why didn't you write down the meter readings on the outgoing inventory/statement of condition?

Don't tell me you didn't have one done? :eek:

Without proof of what the agreed meter reading was at time of exit, what else can the supplier do but estimate usage, or more likely bill you up until someone else opens an account with them and accepts charges from that point.