Wrong number on Gas Meter.

robt7893

My son has lived in a semi detached property for about the last two years with same gas supplier BG, on checking his bill details prior to switching we have found that the Meter number on the his Gas bill and the number on his Gas meter are different, we have sent for an up to date bill just to confirm this fact so I am awaiting this arriveing before takeing action. If this is still the case when the new bill arrives I was then going to ring his supplier to see if they can get it sorted out (prior to changeing supplier as this could cause all sorts of problems). could someone please advice if the numbers are different is this the correct procedure to take and also what are the time scale etc in getting this problem sorted out.

spiro

If the numbers are different it can mean an exchange has taken place but not recorded. Is there a exchange tag on the meter? Does the meter and bill both show meter has same units (imperial or metric)?

Yes your right to try and get it sorted before you change supplier.

dogshome

Hi robt7893 - As Spiro has advised, this meter mix-up may be down to a meter change that has not been correctly recorded.

It's important that you establish whether your son has a Metric meter which will be marked m3 on the front or an Imperial meter which is marked ft3, and then check that you are being charged for the correct type.
On the line on the bills that states how many meter units were used and then converts this to Kwh charged, divide the units used into the Kwh charged - If the answer is appx 11 you are being charged for a Metric meter, if it's appx 31 you are being charged for an Imperial meter - If the meter type and chargeing method don't match, get onto the supplier.

History has shown that the staff on the suppliers telephone service desk are not good when dealing either Meter No. mix-ups or Metric/Imperial chargeing problems, so WRITE to the supplier enclosing a photo of the meter

robt7893

The bill which is dated 20th Nov 2010 to 28th Feb 2011 is in Imperial units so that part tallies upwith the meter ok,but I haven't checked for the meter change tag side of things yet I will do that later, I just hope it's not going to be a long and drawn out affair to get it sorted out.

robt7893

dogshome wrote: »

Hi robt7893 - As Spiro has advised, this meter mix-up may be down to a meter change that has not been correctly recorded.

It's important that you establish whether your son has a Metric meter which will be marked m3 on the front or an Imperial meter which is marked ft3, and then check that you are being charged for the correct type.
On the line on the bills that states how many meter units were used and then converts this to Kwh charged, divide the units used into the Kwh charged - If the answer is appx 11 you are being charged for a Metric meter, if it's appx 31 you are being charged for an Imperial meter

It is definetely an Imperial meter a really old one in a cupboard under the stairs he is also being billed for the correct imperial units so that side of things is ok now it's trying to find wether it has any sort of change out tag on it or not. cheers guys you're all a great help.

dogshome

Hi robt7893 - Glad an Imperial/Metric meter mix-up is one problem you don't have.
However, the number on the bills not matching that on the meter could be as simple as your suppliers finger slipping on a keyboard when setting up the billing, or be a problem that goes right up to the national data base.
The best route is still WRITTEN notice to the supplier with a photo of the meter enclosed.


I

robt7893

dogshome wrote: »

Hi robt7893 - Glad an Imperial/Metric meter mix-up is one problem you don't have.
However, the number on the bills not matching that on the meter could be as simple as your suppliers finger slipping on a keyboard when setting up the billing, or be a problem that goes right up to the national data base.
The best route is still WRITTEN notice to the supplier with a photo of the meter enclosed.


I

Hi dogshome,
It's the first two numbers tha are wrong (on the bill they are 00, on the meter they are 21) so I will do what you suggest and photo the meter and write to them direct also just been round to try and find a change of meter tag, the only thing there is a yellow sticker on the meter with the date 12/6/87 on it so I assume thats when it was changed out or something and that's when the problem started.

spiro

Given the age of the meter and the fact someone has got to come out its possible they may just swap the meter, that way the change of meter process will correct everyones records. If they do I would check you supplier has processed this successfully before trying to change supplier.

robt7893

spiro wrote: »

Given the age of the meter and the fact someone has got to come out its possible they may just swap the meter, that way the change of meter process will correct everyones records. If they do I would check you supplier has processed this successfully before trying to change supplier.

Thanks for that "spiro" I'll do that. does anyone know the address of BG'S metering dept so I can send a letter along with a photo of the meter,
I've been on there web site but all I can see is E-Mail addresses

spiro

robt7893 wrote: »

Thanks for that "spiro" I'll do that. does anyone know the address of BG'S metering dept so I can send a letter along with a photo of the meter,
I've been on there web site but all I can see is E-Mail addresses

As you are not raising a complaint I would email them the photo of the meter making sure the serial number is clear and make sure you ask for a timescale to resolve the data issue. By asking for a date to resolve, this will allow you to complain (in writing) if it has not been resolved in a reasonable timescale.

robt7893

spiro wrote: »

As you are not raising a complaint I would email them the photo of the meter making sure the serial number is clear and make sure you ask for a timescale to resolve the data issue. By asking for a date to resolve, this will allow you to complain (in writing) if it has not been resolved in a reasonable timescale.

Ok "spiro" will do. thanks again for your time and valuable advice is appreciated.