Switched to British Gas - Wrong Initial Meter Reading

Babycakes

I switched from Scottish Power to British Gas just before British Gas announced price rises a few months ago.

I noticed that British Gas's initial meter reading was different to my closing meter reading with Scottish Power. Unfortunately, I was being charged twice for the same gas usage.

I called British Gas, who claimed that they were correct, but after complaining, they agreed to phone up the intermediary that manages meter readings. They confirmed that their bill was wrong and that I had been overcharged. They then corrected the bill.

My concern is that other people are probably being overcharged like this. Had I not checked my bill, then British Gas would have got away with this.

I sent a complaint via their website but I have not received a response.

Can anyone suggest what I should do next?

insanegloss

This isn't actually a common occurance, and it can be caused by a few issues, unfortunately not having seen your particular situation I wouldn't like to say with certainty.

However more generally, typically it is due to data issues with the change of supply files that get sent electronically by industry e.g. meter details say you have a 5 dial metric meter but the supplier receives a 4 dial change of supply read. In these sorts of cases readings get estimated to ensure the account at least creates fully and you get billed. If it transpires the read was wrong, it is a simple change of readings and a re-bill.

Also, on the bigger picture that your post alludes to, energy suppliers are not interested in these type of tactics (probably not what general public opinion might suggest). Put simply, they would rather get it right so you don't have to complain and cost them more money in staffing, telephony and everything else that supports customer services.

Babycakes

insanegloss wrote: »

However more generally, typically it is due to data issues with the change of supply files that get sent electronically by industry e.g. meter details say you have a 5 dial metric meter but the supplier receives a 4 dial change of supply read. In these sorts of cases readings get estimated to ensure the account at least creates fully and you get billed. If it transpires the read was wrong, it is a simple change of readings and a re-bill.

I have just got off the phone to British Gas, and they say that the data feed gave them the correct meter reading but someone changed it manually to a lower figure. There are no notes on the file or an explanation as to why this was done.

I have asked for someone to call me back with why this happened.

It changed on the same day as I complained about not receiving a closing bill!!! Perhaps the call taker got annoyed and made a change deliberately.

Even more interestingly, I have received four closing bills since then from British Gas, all with the wrong meter readings.

Babycakes

How do I take this complaint to the Ombudsman - how many other people are being affected by what appears to be a deliberate attempt to take more money for gas that I have already paid for.

ollski

To be honest the ombudsman would not do anything as you have already resolved the problem.

Babycakes

So I have no redress if someone tries to defraud me?

meg72

Babycakes wrote: »

So I have no redress if someone tries to defraud me?

I really dont think anyone has tried to defraud you, mistakes happen
and how ever annoying if they then put them right thats all you can expect of them.

I have had an ongoing problem with BG not giving me the dual fuel
discount.It has now transpired that I have two accounts, one in my full name and one with my initial only.This was picked up whilst trying to sort out another matter with them and a very nice lady told me she would arrange the discount backdatedfor 4 years. So a nice £60 discount.

As your problem is now resolved I would let it go now,life is too short to be upsetting yourself needlessly. Best wishes.