Large Gas Bill - Meter Not Read for 3 years

Premier_2

The requirements to reading meters are part of the supply licence conditions.

With regards electricity, that can be just attending the property.
With gas it is more stringent and an entry warrant should be obtained if access is required in order to inspect the meter for safety purposes. Yes it's once every two years, so I'm not sure how the 12 month backbilling rule is suposed to apply.

What would happen if a debt accrued for example because the meter had only been read once evey 2 years as per the licence requirements? Are you suggesting anyone who has this happen to them can invoke a 12 month backbilling rule and get a year's free energy? Think on, and read the 12 month back billing code, especially

Customers should pay for energy used and the Code is not intended as a means for avoiding payments.

I've read the comments in the other thread and in both examples you gave the customers had registered with the supplier; something the OP of that thread has failed to do.

undaunted

Premier wrote: »

The requirements to reading meters are part of the supply licence conditions.

With regards electricity, that can be just attending the property.
With gas it is more stringent and an entry warrant should be obtained if access is required in order to inspect the meter for safety purposes. Yes it's once every two years, so I'm not sure how the 12 month backbilling rule is suposed to apply.

What would happen if a debt accrued for example because the meter had only been read once evey 2 years as per the licence requirements? Are you suggesting anyone who has this happen to them can invoke a 12 month backbilling rule and get a year's free energy? Think on, and read the 12 month back billing code, especially



I've read the comments in the other thread and in both examples you gave the customers had registered with the supplier; something the OP of that thread has failed to do.

No I'm not suggesting that at all. Personally I believe the 2 year period for reading a meter is far too lenient.

As to people not registering with suppliers I believe this to be an issue relating back to so called "deemed contracts" which should be done away with.

As I have commented before there is always going to be an identifiable consumer (seller, tennant or possibly landlord) leaving the property and an identifiable incoming buyer or tennant coming into the property. There should therefore be a strict an inescapable requirement for energy companies to form an express contract with the person responsible for payment (either immediately or within a sensible period such as for example a month or 3 months) If they can't do so then the property should be disconnected until they can. I would suggest that the idea of deeming a contract onto anyone is totally contrary to a number of UK & European laws.

Premier_2

Oh good, as long as we're agreed the back billing rule doesn't apply as things currently stand.

You are, of course, welcome to post your opinion ... but that is all it is, just your opinion.

spiro

I have to say, you have recieved about 12 bills every one of which has said E'stimated' on it and you have not checked the reading on your meter nor phoned through with a reading to get a revised bill.

This forum is littered with people complaining about large bills and in nearly every case it is due to the fact that they dont check their bills or submit readings.

Personally, as harsh as it sounds, you have learnt a lesson the hard way. In the future you may pay more attention to you bills.

bengal-stripe

kwhelper wrote: »

Rude, don't you think?

Not rude, just direct............and true! :rotfl:

Antispam

Nope its just direct any reason you bumped up a 4 week old thread other than try and pick a fight

I see you have nothing else to offer though

kwhelper wrote: »

Rude, don't you think?

caeler

kwhelper wrote: »

Rude, don't you think?

No not rude, true.

You need to take some responsibility. You must pay for the energy you use, regardless of if the utility company reads your meter often enough.

dank_2

spiro wrote: »

I have to say, you have recieved about 12 bills every one of which has said E'stimated' on it and you have not checked the reading on your meter nor phoned through with a reading to get a revised bill.

This forum is littered with people complaining about large bills and in nearly every case it is due to the fact that they dont check their bills or submit readings.

Personally, as harsh as it sounds, you have learnt a lesson the hard way. In the future you may pay more attention to you bills.

And you might pay more attention to just how long ago I created this thread. Touche, eh?

spiro

dank wrote: »

And you might pay more attention to just how long ago I created this thread. Touche, eh?

What has that got to do with my post? Thread was started in June 2010.

dank_2

spiro wrote: »

What has that got to do with my post? Thread was started in June 2010.

Four weeks ago. There's nothing more to add. So why bother? The situation has been resolved, if you proceeded to read the rest of the thread.