British Gas forcing me to prepayment meter, can I stop it?

Gillsfan

Okay.. brief background.

I switched both electricity and gas through BG around 3 yrs ago and whilst I paid the electricity, I left the gas bill running a little longer than what I should have. I left it mainly, because they were charging me around £60 per qtr which was very handy.

So... They eventually came out (at my request) and read my meters and of course the bill was understated, but unfortunately it was around £800. Now.. I setup a plan for £100 per month, but unfotunately I didnt setup a DD and classically bad with money I didnt pay it. So now they are demanding I either pay the bill in full (Which I am unable to do) or go onto a prepayment meter and pay £15 per week + usage.

Dont get me wrong, it was all my own fault for getting like this, but I really want to avoid a prepayment meter. They dont really seem that bad an idea, but ive heard of some of the problems they can have and its also bad the way you cant top up online or over the phone by debit card. We have 3 young children and sometimes its difficult to get to the places you can top up.

So, my question is.. can I do anything to stop the action? Can I force them to re-set up a payment plan? I am prepared to pay £150 per month, so surely that would more than cover my usage.

Any suggestions appreciated

ariba10

I was tempted to reply to this but I had better not.

irnbru_2

Gillsfan wrote:

I am prepared to pay £150 per month, so surely that would more than cover my usage.

You're basically asking them to go through the same rigmarole with you again. From their point of view what's to stop you defaulting again?

The prepayment meter will take more than a year to wipe out your existing debt.

Can you pay as much as you can up front as a good will gesture, then the remittance as an overpayment?

Look at your usage and see where you can cut down on Gas and Electric thus lessoning the overall impact of the increased payments.

Gillsfan

I dont think my usage is really an issue, its no more than average.

I also dont really mind going to prepayment, but after reading some of the stories of faulty meters and the fact you cant top-up over the net or phone really puts me off.

If anyone wants to criticise, please feel free.. I certainly dont feel that BG are being unreasonable, I am just trying to get a last chance. My electricity which is also with BG is fine, running by DD on a payment plan.

I could probably pay them £300 now and then suggest a £150 payment plan, but they said they want the full bill now. So.. I guess im out of options.

As previously stated, all suggestions welcome.

Xbigman

They pretty much can force you onto a prepayment meter if you give them a reason, and you have. Your only chance might be to pay half the bill now and the rest over a short timespan, say three months. If they get a £400 payment in a few days time they should be a lot more reasonable. Although its not guaranteed.

You should be aware that prepayment tarifs are dearer than standard tarifs and you can't switch until the debt is paid. You may also have trouble getting back on a normal meter. In short, pay up if at all possible.
Regards



X

Cardew

I think it is refreshing that the OP is up front about whose fault it is and not the usual whingeing.

I would write to them saying you will pay £150 per month and totally accept that if you default again you will accept that a pre-payment meter is inevitable.

Or borrow £800 and pay them off.

amboy

I would recommend what Cardew has said and would add that it is crucial to keep communicating with them, I had one of my customers come in last week saying they forced entry and changed meters.

Gillsfan

amboy wrote:

I would recommend what Cardew has said and would add that it is crucial to keep communicating with them, I had one of my customers come in last week saying they forced entry and changed meters.

Yep, ive followed Cardew's advice and written to them. Ive noted my points why I dont want a meter, and hopefully they will take it into account.

Problem is, I had one letter saying that someone would be by on or after the 16th of October to disconnect. Then today another letter telling me they were taking legal action and charging me £10 for the letter.

I know its just crossed in the post, but I will call them anyway. I spoke to them again a few days ago telling them I was writing, but they were adamant its book a prepayment meter fitting for free or have it forced and then charged. Im not sure how long to wait for a response to my letter? Shall I book the appt in the mean time and try to make it for as far away in the future in the hope they will change their minds?

On a different note.. about electricity..

I seem to be using around 13 units ( numbers on the dial ) per day. It seems excessive.. I am trying to do an appliance audit, but could really use one of those plug in devices to test how much im using. Any ideas where I can get one?

Gal

Why not just go round an work out the usage based on your appliances in your property. And spend the money you would use buying a plug in device to pay towards your bill.

Gillsfan

Hi all.. just to say thanks for everyones help.

I wrote to BG and they phoned me up, apologising for some reason and saying that a £150 per month arrangment would be fine.

BritishGasWorker

Hi there...a tricky one as i dont know whats happend....The only time BG will insist on a prepayment meter is if u have missed payment, set up payment scheme and not paid correctly, we have to protect others. This will not have just happend over night, this will have been over a few months :O(. I suggest that you take the opion b4 they force it...will cost you over £200 if they force it.