British Gas Standing Charge

kingfishery

Hi All

I'm looking for some advice please, or even to find if this is happening to anyone else. I run a small business, not easy in the current climate, and have been in my premises for over 15 years. When we 1st moved in there was a gas heater which didn't suit our needs so our gas usage became zero and for many happy years we received a bill from British Gas for £0.00p, we did contact them and explained that we no longer need gas and was told to just turn the main tap in the meter box off. Today however I receive a bill from them for £14.95 standing charge, I call them to be informed that even though I use no gas we will have to pay £14.95 a 1/4 for the privilege of having a meter sitting there doing nothing and the only way to prevent this is to have the meter removed at a cost of over £200.00, this just doesn't seem right to me.

I know it's not a huge amount of money in the general scheme of things but it does seem unfair to be paying for something I have no intention of using.

Any help or advice would be gratefully received before I contact British Gas again.

Thanks in advance
Paul

victor2

I'm not familiar with their business tariffs, but it sounds like you were on one with no standing charge and they have changed it to have a standing charge now, or put you on a different one. Either way they should have informed you.
I'd ask them if they can put you on a tariff with no standing charge, thus avoiding the meter removal fee. Don't suppose you have much choice but to pay the current bill, but you never know, you might just get a helpful and sympathetic CS person. I believe they do exist!

macman

This came up on another thread recently and I was under the impression that none of their business tariffs are NSC. So I don't know why you haven't been billed before.
The charge is valid, as they are maintaining a supply to your property, reading the meter, and billing you. Whether you use it or not, that still costs them money.

bengasman

What is your meter type code e.g. e6, u6?

chanz4

The meter would be a U6 or U16, all business tariffs come with standing charge from every supplier.

kingfishery

Thank you all very much all helpful info. Looks like I've a decision to make, keep paying the £14.95 1/4 charge or the £200.00+ to disconnect the meter, why I can't just close the account though is beyond me.

Thanks again for all the help.

Regards
Paul

bengasman

One of the main deciding factors to answer your question is the type of meter you have; it is very possible that you could continue to stay as you are and pay nothing until you start using gas.

kingfishery

How do I find out what type of meter I have? I can't see any ref no on my bill and the only no's on the meter are J88 and R5, is it 1 of these?

many thanks
Paul