Having problems getting a gas supply

charleeboo

Hi All,

Just in need of some advice. I moved into a new build back in October 2010. The house is part of a redevelopment - the old houses got flattened and some new ones built in their place. I have been trying since October to get someone to charge me for my gas and no-one wants to!!!
My landlord and the builders both say British Gas own my supply and I have, on several occasions, given them meter readings, bank account details, and, in turn, been given a date when British Gas will "take over" my supply?!?!?
To be honest, Im fed up of chasing them and getting many different people saying that we will be with British Gas on a certain date - I'm terrified of the huge bill we are going to receive when we finally get someone to charge us.
So, here is my question - do I keep chasing them and get them to bill us or just leave it to them? When I do finally get them to bill me, do I give them the meter reading on that date or the 1st meter reading? I dont by any means not want to pay for what we've used BUT I have gone out of my way to let them know that we have moved in, that they are in charge of our supply and that we want to give them money for it. We have given the meter readings on at least 10 different occasions.
Whenever I have spoken to them, they have taken the serial number of the meter and said its a "Pay-As-You-Go" meter so, as far as theyre aware, I'm topping up a key or something to pay for my gas.

Ive never had this before, dont know my rights and dont know their obligations. Any advice would be appreciated.

dogshome

Hi charleeboo - If the builders and L/lord say you are with BG for gas you probably are, but it would not be the first time a tenant is told thier supplier is company X, then months later they get a bill from company Y.

BG's insistance you have a pre-pay meter when in fact it's a Credit meter shows that there is a c*ck up in the system somewhere, so protect your tail by WRITING to BG enclosing a photo of your meter and listing the number of times/dates you have previously spoken to them.

This letter does two things:
1) It moves the problem up the management chain and above the staff who man the Customer Service phones
2) There is a 'No back-billing beyond 12 months agreement' which BG have signed up to, but for it to work the customer must be able to prove they attempted to get bills from the supplier - So if BG still don't sort this out, this letter limits your liability to just one year.

Cardew

As said above WRITE!!!!!

spiro

Try looking here http://www.ukenergy.co.uk/pages/area.html

They give two ways of getting your meter point number which is then used to check who the supplier is.

charleeboo

spiro wrote: »

Try looking here http://www.ukenergy.co.uk/pages/area.html

They give two ways of getting your meter point number which is then used to check who the supplier is.

I have done, loads of times, given it to British Gas, only for me to phone up and them to ask for it again!!! Thanks for posting though everyone.

spiro

If the central service have given you your MPR number and told you it is supplied by BG then I would: Write to them (get proof of posting) stating that you first contacted them on 'whatever date you did' to register as the customer at '1 any street, any town' and despite follow up calls you have received no bills etc.

I know you are nowhere near the 1 year back billing limit let but if they continue to mess you around at least that will act as proof it fault lies with them.

I would also work out you consumption to date, and every month hereafter and put the money required to pay for it aside in readiness for the bill when it finally arrives.

As BG now has a rep on this forum maybe they will be along to give some advise soon.