Mistake in energy metre reading?

ashleydrollinson

Hello

We received an estimated bill for £290 Gas, £80 electric for the quarter.

When we rung up to pay, they asked for a metre reading. When we gave them that the bill ballooned to

£700 for gas
£500 for electric
For a quarter. Can this be right? Does anyone know how to appeal this or is that really the real cost?

With atlantic dual fuel.

It is for a 3 bedroom flat, In Eastbourne (south coast). Fairly new energy efficient boiler, gas cooker. Some but not all double glazing..

Thanks

withabix

When was your last previous ACTUAL reading?

If your bill has been estimated for a long time, that will probably be the cause.

The increase in those bills is not 'for a quarter', they are the difference between estimated use and what you have actually used.

I recommend reading your meters yourself EVERY time you get a bill, particularly as you are in a flat where the meters cannot be read without you letting the meter readers in at their convenience.

ashleydrollinson

I thought a reading was done on the last bill, but I shall check with the other flatmates.

That does make quite a lot of sense though....

Thanks for the fast response

mattcanary

That's what Withabix is saying. The last readings probablty were based on real readings. However, what about the previous god knows how many bills? Were they based on real readings or estimates? If estimates - they were probably under-estimated for a long time.