Dead gas meter - what rules apply?

fwor

I've got a conventional (i.e. non-prepayment) gas meter, and my supplier is Eon.

I got a request from them to provide a meter reading, but when I went to look, the LCD display is blank, and the red LED that used to flash periodically no longer flashes.

So I phoned and told them, and they say the meter needs to be replaced, and that they will charge me an estimated amount for gas for this quarter, based on my previous average usage.

I can see why they would want to take this position but, looking at it rationally: Given that there is very little probability that my gas use will have been ~exactly~ the same as my previous usage, there is - all other things being equal - a 50% probability that my usage was less and I will pay more than I should.

I'm not one to be grabbing at something for nothing (well actually, that's a lie - I'd be quite happy to get something for nothing in this case) but is it fair that there's a chance that I will lose out, simply because of a fault with their meter?

But the above is not my question. My question is this: Anyone know if there are any supplier-independent rules on what should happen in this situation?

diable

You could try to tell them that you spent the last 6 months at a relatives and the place was only lived in one ay per week and see how it goes ;o))))))

fwor

diable wrote: »

You could try to tell them that you spent the last 6 months at a relatives and the place was only lived in one ay per week and see how it goes ;o))))))

I confess something similar did flit through my mind briefly... But it's still asking them to make concessions. What I'd really like to know is if there are any rules that all suppliers must follow in this situation.

It doesn't seem fair that a consumer should have to accept such an arbitrary "heads you win, tails you lose" approach.

Tupperware_Queen

I would say that unless your circumstances have changed significantly, a quote based on previous usage would be fair, especially since we have had very cold weather recently, and most people have had very high bills

diable

I's screw them personally and word any correspondence to them in your favour as it was their equipment that failed, you will also have to take time off work so that 30 minutes before the engineer turns up to replace the meter he will call you (if you are lucky) to say he has cancelled the job and can you call the office to reschedule the job.

Check on how much they have made n profit this year so you can clear your conscience........;o))))))))

gas4you

I have never seen a gas meter that flashes red?

Are you sure this is not your electric meter?

The only electronic gas meter's I have come across to date are the E6 ones and if the display goes dead, then the gas transporter usually just comes and replaces the battery.

fwor

Tupperware_Queen wrote: »

I would say that unless your circumstances have changed significantly, a quote based on previous usage would be fair, especially since we have had very cold weather recently, and most people have had very high bills

I can sort of see that, though the house was unoccupied for quite a large part of December, and I only use gas for water heating, which was obviously switched off then. The thing that that gets me is that, because of a failure in ~their~ equipment, they are putting me in a position where I ~might~ be losing money, for all they know.

diable: I hope your prediction is wrong, as it will really get on my nipps if they cancel at the last minute!

gas4you: I know I'm pretty stupid, but I'm not so dumb that I can't tell the difference between a gas meter and an electricity meter - doesn't one have wires and the other a big pipe coming in and out (or should that be round the other way)? Purely for information, it's made by Eurometers, and has an LCD panel plus two LEDs, one of which flashes intermittently (or rather used to). I believe it is an ultrasonic type rather than the traditional diaphragm design, but I'm probably providing more info than is necessary or even vaguely interesting.

Anyway, looks like there are no Ofgem or related rules that anyone knows about, so I'll just have to argue the point with Eon...

diable

Years ago it took BG 6 attempts to replace my meter I would be at home no one turns up but I was told the engineer was there and no one answered the door.

Fcukwits the lot of then but I have a jaundiced view on this.

t0rt0ise

It's difficult to know what else they can do other than estimate on previous usage. If you have another idea then suggest it to them. I had it happen years ago when they read the opening elec meter wrongly and wanted to estimate and I argued the bill down a bit. You should do the same but give reasons. For me, I'd just moved in and didn't install the washing machine for a few weeks and spent some time away and so on and I argued that way.

lemontart

it is up to them to get it changed or dealt with by their Meter Assest Management company as it is now passing unregistered gas.

Parva

And in the meantime turn up the thermostat and have it on 24 hours. Ooops sorry, I didn't mean that at all.