British Gas "final" readings wrong

charlysez

I have just applied to change gas/electricity suppliers and had a call last night from British Gas asking why I was leaving and did I want to stay. No, thank you, found someone cheaper.

I then gave meter readings, now I paid my last quarter on 6nov both were only £35, so when the chap on the phone said that I am in credit with electric and £42 owed on gas I was amazed. I pay on receipt of my bills, so how can I be in credit? and as I have hardly used any gas how is that so high? Needless to say he couldnt answer my questions and wished me luck with my new supplier!!!!

Anyone have any ideas where the credit comes from? my meter was read prior to the bill being issued and i only pay what is on the bill. should i be taking this further? my switchover is complete on 4th Jan, so who knows what my final, final readings will be.

HellsGranny

This could be a scam, I hope you didn't give him any bank or identity details.

I NEVER disclose my details to anyone who calls me, not will I call numbers they may give my over the phone. They should write to you with these details.

You only have their word that they are who they say they are. Be suspicious, and be safe.

Cheers, HG

Premier_2

A credit can accrue when you have previously been billed (and you therefore paid) for more energy than you actually consumed. This can easily occur if a previous meter reading was estimated and you didn't provide an actual meter reading.

As above poster suggests, as the caller couldn't explain this to you (or provide any other valid reason), be afraid, be very afraid! :eek:

Regarding your switching date pf Jan 4th, you should have been advised of this in writing and in that same correspondence it would normally say how they intend to accurately bill you from that date which normally means providing a meter reading of your own to the new supplier. I would also provide that meter reading to your existing supplier on that date so that they can raise a final bill for you.