Switched but completely duff meter readings

Woby_Tide

Hands up for being at fault on part of this. Left Powergen in late May. Gave some meter readings a few days before actual switch day as was away. Got a final bill from Powergen and settled without checking figures as figure requested did add up to roughly what I was expecting. However, Got first bill from new supplier nPower today, says 'estimated' meter reading of when they took over from Powergen was 7935 and since then they estimate I am at 8100. Checked meter, it's on 7908, so technically nPower now owe me 2 months direct debits and then some. have rung with the reading but it's automated.

But should I let nPower deal with Powergen and sort out what Powergen obviously owe them for gas I've used due to them providing incorrect estimate. Or do I have to pay nPower and claim back from Powergen what they overcharged me? Own fault but just trying to tidy things up before moving (and realising that I won't be switching to Powergen in new house...)

Cornwall2000

Woby_Tide wrote:

Hands up for being at fault on part of this. Left Powergen in late May. Gave some meter readings a few days before actual switch day as was away. Got a final bill from Powergen and settled without checking figures as figure requested did add up to roughly what I was expecting. However, Got first bill from new supplier nPower today, says 'estimated' meter reading of when they took over from Powergen was 7935 and since then they estimate I am at 8100. Checked meter, it's on 7908, so technically nPower now owe me 2 months direct debits and then some. have rung with the reading but it's automated.

But should I let nPower deal with Powergen and sort out what Powergen obviously owe them for gas I've used due to them providing incorrect estimate. Or do I have to pay nPower and claim back from Powergen what they overcharged me? Own fault but just trying to tidy things up before moving (and realising that I won't be switching to Powergen in new house...)

You are not at fault!
Have had this experience with this may times. You supply a meter reading for the changeover, they ignore it and use their own (over)estimated reading. You are therefore paying for gas at your old suppliers prices (which are presumably higher).

What to do - ring nPower and officially dispute the changeover reading - they will take the matter up (I think with Transco, please correct me if I'm wrong). After a couple of months investigation (I had meter readers round twice) they should accept your reading. You will then receive a refund cheque from Powergen. nPower will then adjust the bill based on your changeover reading and your final? reading.

1. Good luck on getting them to write to you at your new address!
2. If any of the above doesn't happen complain, complain, complain. Ask to speak to someone more senior straight away as you have already been inconvenienced enough. You may well end up with a compensation cheque.
3. You are not in the wrong - they are, for not using the supplied reading in the first place. They will both blame each other, I think Transco actualy generate the estimated changeover readings so maybe it's their fault.
4. Don't worry about your direct debits - the worst that will happen is that you will be in credit with nPower and they will reduce your monthly payment after a few months. Make sure you give them readings every couple of months.
5. And obviously take readings as soon as you move into your new place. If there has been any period of unoccupation (is that a word?), you may find that the previous occupants final reading is less than what you find on your first day of ownership. They must accept yours. (again they will probably send round meter readers).


Best of luck.
Rog