British Gas not charging me for electricity

talantyr

Hi,

Firstly, I'm new to the forum so thanks for your time and responses to my question.

I moved into a new apartment in September (renting not buying). The apartment block is relatively new and I'm the first occupant in my individual apartment. The electricity supplier is British Gas so as soon as I moved in I rang them and gave them a meter reading. The meters for the apartments are all kept in one room on the ground floor (and marked with each apartment's number). However, the British Gas representative I spoke with said that there was some discrepancy over which meter belonged to which apartment. To cut a long story short - my meter was already registered under another apartment. And therefore I assume someone has been paying a tiny amount for their electricity, as my apartment was previously uninhabited! Just to note, I've confirmed with an electrician present which meter belongs to me.

British Gas said they would rectify the situation send someone out to confirm whose meter is whose. That was in September. I've sent emails since then and received no reply from them.

My dilemma is this. Since moving into the apartment in September I've not paid anything for my electricity. I'm extremely annoyed that it's taking British Gas over 6 months to do their part and confirm which meter is mine. I envisage having to pay an extremely large lump sum in the future when I'd much rather have paid per month/quarter to spread the cost out. Is there anything I can do as I think it's starting to get ridiculous?

Many thanks once again,

James

t0rt0ise

You could read the meter yourself and work out the cost so far and put the money aside. You could also raise a complaint with British Gas complaints department. The address for that department will be on their website. Best to write a proper letter as they don't seem to bother with complaints by phone or email. That's been my experience anyway.

mattcanary

You can phone British Gas to find out the cost per unit used (for their standard tariff - no deductions for paying by DD, getting internet generated bills, etc). That will help you calculate your bill in preparation for when BG finally resolve the issue.

Ken68

You would also be in line for compensation.

t0rt0ise

What would the compensation be for exactly?

molerat

Keep taking regular meter readings and record them.
Put money aside to cover the bills.
Keep bugging them in writing and keep copies.
They will have to write off anything beyond 12 months as long as you can prove you have tried to get them to bill you.

Ken68

t0rt0ise wrote: »

What would the compensation be for exactly?

6months waiting and worry. Similar to the compensation for missed appointments. £25 probably.

British_Gas

Hi James (@talantyr)

Sorry to hear you've been having these problems. If you could email me your house number and post code then I will look into this for you and see if we can get a resolution for you asap.

Please email me at: customernews@britishgas.co.uk

Many thanks.

spiro

British_Gas_company_representative wrote: »

Hi James (@talantyr)

Sorry to hear you've been having these problems. If you could email me your house number and post code then I will look into this for you and see if we can get a resolution for you asap.

Please email me at: [EMAIL="customernews@britishgas.co.uk"]customernews@britishgas.co.uk[/EMAIL]

Many thanks.

Hello, glad to see that BG have finally got a rep on this site.