Fake gas reading-is it worth making a fuss?

Somerset

Got back today after a month away. Had a nasty surprise in the post, a gas bill for £ 505.00. Big shock. Anyways when I looked at it, it was caused because an actual reading ( not customer ) on 12/08/06 meant there was a huge under-estimation from last estimated usage.

Trouble is, there was no actual reading because I've been away, so that's rubbish. I've checked my meter and in fact I'm in credit, So there's no problem and I'll ring them tomorrow. But it bugs me that they've said they read the meter when they didn't plus they came up with such a huge ficticious number and billed me for it. I know when I ring them I'll get no answer as to how they got their reading.

An elderly or fragile person would be freaked by this. Do I complain to Of whatsit or British Gas complaints department or what ? My O/H says what does it matter ? but if people don't complain, nothing happens.

ManAtHome

I had something similar on my latest bill (forgot to leave tha card in the window) but it was an under-estimate - just phoned them up and they re-issued a bill (some companies accept on-line amendments as well).

Don't think I'd have said anything if they'd over-charged as prices are going up - overpaying now would make more than a savings account...

deanos

Trouble is most gas and electric meter readers get paid per read so some of them may guestimate the reading to hit there targets, i would definately complain as some other people may be experiencing the same and if nobody says anything the reader wont get caught out and will continue doing so.

Not all readers are like this but there are some rouges about and its all becaue its not done in-house and contracted out with agency staff being uses some of the time.

Cardew

Somerset wrote:

Got back today after a month away. Had a nasty surprise in the post, a gas bill for £ 505.00. Big shock. Anyways when I looked at it, it was caused because an actual reading ( not customer ) on 12/08/06 meant there was a huge under-estimation from last estimated usage.

Not sure I understand last sentence.

If there was a 'huge under-estimation' on 12/08/06 wouldn't that mean your bill would be too small?

What does 'last estimated useage' mean here?

elektra

Had something similar after BG issued to a £400 bill to pensioners who they should be aware they are on benefits ( as eligible for rebates from BG - thats another story - rebate not received even though registered Jan).

This £400 bill was caused by mucked up readings, partly due to a change of meter but also included meter readings from a date when I knew they had not visited. Apparently it is going to take them 7 weeks to get a report from meter company!

If no reply within 7 weeks I think I going to write to southampton and also the energy watchdog people

chi-chi

Hi there
Absolutely you should complain to the energy watchdog people. Not only have they said they made a reading when they didn't but they have sent you a scary bill in error. As you say this would really freak some people out. Nothing ever changes if we don't complain. You may be able to register your complaint over the telephone which is quicker than putting it in writing.

anniecave

We had the opposite one time, someone alledgedly read our electricity meter and gave a reading that meant npower sent us a credit note rather than a bill as the meter reading was SO under what it should have been. I did phone up and give them a correct meter reading....

Wig

Cardew wrote:

Not sure I understand last sentence.

If there was a 'huge under-estimation' on 12/08/06 wouldn't that mean your bill would be too small?

What does 'last estimated useage' mean here?

means the last estimated usage i.e. 12 May 06 was under estimated

Which means the actual on 12 8 06 made up the shortfall in the previous under estimate. But the OP says (I think) that the actual 12 - 8 - 06 is incorrect it was over estimated. Which leaves the OP ahead of where they should be.

If this was me I would be on the phone to my supplier to ask how they achieved an incorrect "actual" whilst I was away on holiday. They should take the initiative from there and pass on the complaint to the meter reading service company who could (as they did in my case once) phone you up and apologise and tell you that the reader would be reprimanded.

Viv

We were sent a bill with estimated total then the prices went up by nearly double (Scottish Power) bur our estimated total was too low so we have had to pay I reckon about £40 extra for 'old electricity already used' at the new price. Surely if they raise the price they should do an accurate reading? If I had thought about it I should have done a customer reading. Viv

Somerset

Well I spoke to British Gas today and explained why I knew the reading didn't take place. They've said they will call me back today ( they didn't ) or tomorrow. I got the impression the call back will then only refer the complaint back to the 'readings department' who are unavailable to the public. But I'm going to pursue this. Either the meter reading guy read someone else's meter and put it in my address details by mistake, or someone they use is just meeting their quota by making up stuff and never making the calls.

From the replies above, this situation obviously isn't all that uncommon.

Cardew

Wig wrote:

means the last estimated usage i.e. 12 May 06 was under estimated

Which means the actual on 12 8 06 made up the shortfall in the previous under estimate. But the OP says (I think) that the actual 12 - 8 - 06 is incorrect it was over estimated. Which leaves the OP ahead of where they should be.

You may be correct about what the OP meant(i.e.12/08.06 - over estimated) - but he stated exactly the opposite(i.e. 12/08/06 was a huge underestimate.)

You may also be correct about the previous bill .

Nice if the OP made things clear!