Estimate issues

AngelBadger

Does anyone know how companies work out an original estimate when they take over your gas?

Last summer a man turned up on my doorstep asking if I would like some tips on how to reduce my gas and electric bills. I suffer from mental health problems, at this time I was confused and not taking things in properly so I let him in, not asking for ID or realising that he was trying to sell me something. Half way through the form filling I finally realised what was happening, and embarrassed I tried to get him out of the house as quickly as possible.

I don't recall recieving anything from NPower regarding the change over, but knowing what I was like at the time I couldn't say it wasn't sent. It was all on DD so everything just went along ok with me oblivious.

Sooooooooo, I have now just moved house and gave NPower a final reading for the gas. I have just recieved a final bill which seems a bit steep. They are basically saying that I have used nearly £100 worth of gas per month which leaves me owing them £180 (which I don't have). They set me up on a DD of £50 per month which they obviously thought would cover me, so nearly double this seems a bit steep. I live alone and only heated downstairs as I couldn't afford to heat the whole house, the house had a gas cooker but I didn't use it.

I'm so confused over what to do, I'm guessing there's not much I can do. The problem is that until I pay this bill my ex-landlords will not repay my deposit, but I don't have the money to pay the bill. Normally I'd ask to set up a monthly payment, but I really need the deposit back asap.

I'm in such a mess.

Can anyone help?

A_fiend_for_life

Does the final bill state the meter readings you provided?

kjsmith7

hello Check the start/opening meter reading and the final/closing meter reading. What are the dates of the bill? For instance, a bill from October-January is likely to be higher than May-August - so a £50pm direct debit might have covered you if you were with them for the whole year, as you'd probably have used £100pm in the worst half of the year and £30 a month in the Summer, for instance (hope that makes sense!!). If the bill is accurate, or if the estimates are about right, then the only thing you do is pay the bill if that is a term for your bond