what rights do we have?

homersimpson_3

my friend has gas bill today and owes supplier one months payment (direct debit). they estimated the bill-she checked the meter and it's way over so she's likely to have small amount of credit. called them but closed.
at the bottom of bill it said something like we have reviewed your previous bills and you're using more gas than expected so we're increasing your monthly payment by about 150% (remember she will be in credit) from next month. at the back of bill they give total, taken off discount for direct debit and VAT and divided balance by 12 payments given new monthly figure.
does this seem right? can friend refuse to have payments increased? she has to call them on monday- what are her rights? etc

espresso

If you supply the actual readings, they will recalculate the bill and it should then be obvious what monthly amount is then appropriate. If you have one years actual kWh consumption figures, these can be used to accurately set your DD from past usage.

HTH

homersimpson_3

i put the total figure of kilowatts in on one of the price sites and it's coming out about £2 cheaper than the increased price- so seems they could be right. if so how does she only owe them one month's payment? she's really needs to speak them!

espresso

You may find this online calculator useful for checking figures.

espresso

It requires a then reading and date (top line) and then a now reading and date (bottom line)