Atlantic Electric & Gas DD Problem

Stompa

Having recently switched to Atlantic for both electricity and gas, my first DD's were supposed to have been taken on 1st April. I've just noticed that while they've taken the payment for Electricity they've not done so for Gas. Does anybody know if they normally resolve these sort of problems themselves, or do you need to nag them?

kjsmith7

Sometimes, when you move to a new supplier, even dual fuel, the gas goes a little slower than the electricity. Usually only a few days. What could've happened, is one of three things:

1: The gas only came over after the 1st April, so the first payment would then be the 1st May (or the first working day thereafter)

2: The gas only came over just before the 1st April (e.g. 31st March) and so they didn't have enough time to request the payment on the 1st April so they will take/have taken it late (this is unlikely as it probably would have been taken by now)

3: You have an 'Independent Gas Transporter' (this is usually only the case in new build properties or conversions of houses into flats/apartments). This means that your Supply Number / Meter Point Reference Number / MPRN (it's a unique number that identifies your property on the grid) takes longer to fully update that you've moved supplier. Your supply itself won't be affected, but it can take longer for Atlantic (or any other supplier) to get your account fully operational. You'll be able to see if you're independent as your supply number will most likely start with "74xxxxxx" or "75xxxxxx" (it'll be printed on your previous supplier's bill).

If you're concerned, give them a quick bell and see what's going on. If they explain that it's because you're independent, give them till 28 days after your gas supply start date, then ask them to escalate it as your account creation is delayed.

Hope that helps

Stompa

Many thanks for the most informative response. Atlantic said they would be supplying me from 12th March. The final bill from my previous gas supplier was dated 18th March, though curiously the final meter reading shown was somewhat less than the reading I gave to Atlantic. Either way I'll give them a call.