I've been so blumming stupid- pre-payment electricity meter

nurse34

my pre payment electric meter stopped working over a year ago.3 people have been out to read it, and said oh, it isnt lighting up, we will get someone out.( it is a key operated one with scottish power)
Now , i know i have been incredibly dumb in not reporting it , but have been waiting and waiting for a phone call?
i am a student with 3 children , and am now dreading the huge estimated usage bill?
Has anyone any advice on how i tackle this daft situation i have gotten myself into?

Mankysteve

Contact them again and offer to pay the debt off over a period of time.

Poosmate

Haven't you been saving your bill money during this time or have you just spent it? It's very irresponsible to spend money earmarked for an essentail and expected expense just because you haven't yet received a bill for it - it's like going shopping for food and buying an outfit with the money instead. Would you go hungry and let your children go hungry because you wanted something to wear? I don't think so. The same principle applies to your energy usage/payment.

I would also say, if you are worried that you'll receive a high bill, have you taken steps to reduce your consumption? If not, then start immediately. Even if it's something as small as turning all the lights off after the kids have gone to bed and watching the tv in the dark and make sure everything that's not in use has been turned off. Lights alone won't make a huge difference but it will make a difference in the right direction and it's a great start to retraining yourself to become more frugal with your energy in the future.

You won't be the first nor the last to do something dumb, we've most probably all been there at one time or another so don't beat yourself up about it too much - start dealing with it instead.

Good luck.

Poo

BargainGalore

Well you will have to pay it as its responsible to expect you to be more proactive

Like others said why didnt you put money aside? you still will be using energy

The best bet is get hold of the supplier quickly and explain and hopefully you can pay what you use and something to cut your debt once they work out what you consumption may have been but either way over a years use it wont be a small amount and they may ask for a large amount even if its over a year

Terrylw1

Have you still been able to pay and add credit to it? If so, then it's just the recording part that stopped. The Supplier should really have spotted this as everytime you pay, they get a reading off your meter (if it's a key or card meter, not the old token style).

If you have had free elec off them, then they need to get the meter changed.

Supplier has to admit some liability here because everytime they take a reading, the meter reading agency are obligated to pass it on with the information that the meter is faulty/stopped. Your Supplier on at least 3 occassions has ignored the situation and continued to put you in debt if this is the case.

From a complaint angle, this is what you say.

Are you sure you haven't been paying though because you would be without power usually?

nurse34

Dear poo
I won't beat myself up about it ............ you have done it for me

spiro

This is not a way of getting out of paying but when you talk to them make the point that on 3 occasions their agent (meter reader) said there was a fault with the meter and that he would get someone to come out.

Poosmate

nurse34 wrote: »

Dear poo
I won't beat myself up about it ............ you have done it for me

You're very welcome.:) We all need our butts kicking every now and again - feel free to kick mine for not doing my washing overnight on the Economy 7!

Seriously though, I know kids are notorious for being wasteful where electricity is concerned, leaving lights on, tv's, computers etc. It's amazing how quickly you can get out of those habits and without even realising you start noticing how wasteful others are and seriously have to resist the urge to turn things off in other people's houses when you visit! lol

Once again, good luck,

Poo

PNPSUKNET

Been honest meter readers dont work for the suppliers directly, they just take reads for several companys. Im suprised the supplier hasnt sent a none charge letter out. I would contact them asap as you will be billed for the usage. The backbill policys suppliers have dont cover dishonesty.

undaunted

Whether the poster should have rung them rather than rely on the meter reader doing so is arguable but she has not been dishonest!

Companies do of course have a legal obligation to inspect the meter at least every two years (they appear to consider Meter readers sufficient for this purpose)

SwanJon

undaunted wrote: »

Companies do of course have a legal obligation to inspect the meter at least every two years (they appear to consider Meter readers sufficient for this purpose)

Seeing as it is a visual inspection that is required, not a technical inspection that meets the requirements.

A visual inspection will not pick up if the meter reading has stuck, or if a prepayment meter is acting as a free flowig meter.

undaunted wrote: »

Whether the poster should have rung them rather than rely on the meter reader doing so is arguable but she has not been dishonest!

"It's ok, it fell off the back of a lorry, that's not stealing."