Scottish Power Cannot/Will-not change final meter reading from estimated value.

peter54

I've recently left Scottish Power. On the date of switch-over I gave both electricity and gas meter readings to my new supplier (nPower) online. Scottish Power then sent me my final electricity bill (calculated with the reading I gave my new supplier) - which I paid.

A month or so later SP sent me a final gas bill - using an estimated value. I gave them the correct meter reading, and asked them to send me a corrected bill. However, their reply was that:

"...we are unable to amend your Gas closing meter reading as there is only a difference of 2 units between the reading we have finalised your account with and the reading you have provided

As per industry standards, we can only amend the Gas closing meter reading when the difference is more than 41 units..."

Is this true? I know it's only 2 (meter read) units, but it still means I will be paying for more gas than I have used. In any case, it doesn't seem right or fair. I tried searching for this '41 units' difference, but couldn't find anything.

Thanks,
Peter

Hazzanet

I had a similar issue with nPower. I contacted the new supplier, pointing out the overlap and enclosing the closing bill from the old supplier. The new supplier credited me back the overpayment as opposed to changing the opening meter reading to correspond with that of the outgoing supplier.

Tomo85

If the estimated meter reading Scottish Power is using is the same reading that Npower are using to start your account then Scottish Power are right in what they are saying about the threshold being too small to amend the reading.

Check with Npower to see if they used the meter reading you provided or if they have used an estimated reading.

peter54

Thanks,
I'll check with nPower. Don't know why we can't all use the same (and correct) reading though?

undaunted

Never heard of this before myself but personally if you feel that strongly about it I would simply write to both with the correct closing / opening reading & tell them that as far as you are concerned that is the one you will be paying (obviously enclosing your payment if you are a cash/cheque customer) for & closing / opening your account(s) with, end of discussion!!

Whether they like it or not what can they do - take you to Court for the wrong reading / 2 units?

yoda011087

If you leave it as it is, your first gas bill with npower will just be two units smaller, either 22kwh on a metric meter or 66 on an imperial one.

Annoying indeed, but is two units worth your time too?

chanz4

2 units max 16p , worth it? nope

yoda011087

chanz4 wrote: »

2 units max 16p , worth it? nope

Are you still on a fixed price tariff from 1987? I wish! :rotfl:

I agree though.. Not worth it!

spiro

The whole CoS process for gas and elec is designed so that your closing reading from your old supplier matches the opening reading for your new supplier. I dont know the limit for gas but for elec the tolerance is 250 units (kwh) before they will normally start the disputed read process. This value is set under the licence and I guess its designed to stop people starting the process for 1 or 2 units which will typically mean a few pence differnce but a large admin cost to all parties involved.

Scottish_Power

Hi peter54,

If I understadn that this is frustrating. The advice you have been given by ScottishPower is correct.

If you want you can e-mail me at [EMAIL="onlinecomplaints@scottishpower.com"]onlinecomplaints@scottishpower.com[/EMAIL] with your details and I will speak with Npower to ensure we ar eboth using the correct reading.

Kind regards

Graeme @ ScottishPower

ginga-ninga

I've just had the same thing - 50 units, so still only around £2, but I gave my reading to my new supplier (EDF) in plenty of time and when Scottish Power bill came out a month later, they had decided to use something else.

EDF say they provided the actual readings to Scottish Power in line with industry standards and times, but Scottish decided to use some random estimated readings instead. Scottish customer service refuse to admit they used an estimated read even tho that is what my bill clearly states...

Sounds like they might just try it on, knowing that if reading is less than 250 units out (over £10!) then they will get away with it