Am I stuck in a contract? Stupid British Gas!

ladela

I moved into rented accomodation in February this year. My landlord had just signed up to British Gas on our behalf and gave them meter readings (which we, and eventually BG, checked).

I later got a bill for my electric which I paid straightaway but was waiting on the gas one. It took ages to come, but when it finally did it was for £10

Knowing this couldn't be right (we use our heating all the time) my hubby phoned them - they insisted it must be right but hubby had noticed the serial number on the bill was different to the serial number on the meter. He told their 'customer services' this and they said they'd send someone round - which they did, I was in when the bloke took the reading. This happened a couple of months ago and we'd heard no more (no explanation, and no bill!)

Today I've come in to a 'Final Notice' hand delievered. They are saying now that it appears that we are not using our gas supply and as we are REFUSING to let them read our meter they are going to get a warrant to break into our home and take the meter away.

Not only have we NOT refused them entry, WE are the ones who have told them theres a problem - practically begging them for a proper bill. They've done nothing to contact US about the situation, yet now we have a final notice? Unbelievable.

So, when I get this mess sorted is it ok to switch suppliers after so little time or are you stuck to a contract?

tripled

You will not be in a contract unless you requested to go on a fixed price tariff.

If BG have the wrong details for your meter the mostly likely things that caused the problem are:
-The wrong MPR number was used to switch your supply, as a result you are being billed for a meter in a different property. Get your gas meter serial number and call Transco, they will confirm your correct MPR. Check this matches your bill.
-The meter was changed recently and BG haven't updated their records, there will be a sticker on the meter saying when it was installed and the reading when it was changed. Is tha within the last few months?
-When you called BG to set up your account they did it on the wrong property. Check your bill doesn't say 'for supply at' and have another address on it.

magyar

Agree with everything tripled said - this is clearly BG's billing error. Ask to speak to the most senior person you can when you call.

As an aside, check the terms of your rental agreement - I would think that if you're paying the bills it's reasonable to say you choose who to go with, but as a courtesy I would ensure your landlord is kept aware. (Not implying for one minute you wouldn't be doing this)