Are we a nation of meter readers?

Esoog

We submit ours online now - but as a result of having a MASSIVE fridge in the way of the meter for several years it was never able to be read so they had to estimate, when we got a smaller fridge and submitted a reading they had been underestimating quite badly so sent us a bill for £1k , anyway we've paid that off but now whenever we submit our readings because the previous one was so high they never actually believe them! We have to submit it about three times because it asks if we're sure its right..and then they still try to send someone round to read it! We just ignore them since we're giving them our correct readings..pirates!

t0rt0ise

Think of all those meter readers out of work though. Kept a lot of people in work but now we have to pay their dole money instead.

backfoot

t0rt0ise wrote: »

Think of all those meter readers out of work though. Kept a lot of people in work but now we have to pay their dole money instead.

They became door to door sales reps. Not saying this is a good thing,though

davidgmmafan

To be honest some would be able to transiation smoothly as I've heard them giving out billing advice despite clearly having no clue what they are talking about. For example a customer once was adamant the E7 meter was making her bill at least double what it should be as the meter man had told her so.

When I worked it out there was a difference, of about £12 per year. Clearly the lesson is sound confident (even if clueless) and people will believe you.

Hooloovoo

davidgmmafan wrote: »

I don't mind being 'encouraged' to use DD or provide meter readings by some discount or incentive. I do object to being hit by some stupid penalty charge if I choose not to pay by DD

I've never understood this. If the difference in price is the same between a bill paid by direct debit, and a bill not paid by direct debit, what difference does it make whether the difference is called a discount or a penalty charge?

davidgmmafan

The discount is off the price. Without the discount that is the price. Compare that to the list of charges Virgin media may or may not apply. Price is this, price with paper billing is this, price with paper billing (which they did before fore free) and non direct debit admin fee is this. Plus the other permutations. The price is not the price. When setting the price you would aim to cover costs and allow some room for profit.