Ridiculous Gas Bill?

Yarsir

Hello MSE'ers

Wonder if you guys could help with some useful info...

Just received my Southeren Electric Gas bill for last quarter and it's way over average for our household.

It's an estimated bill for just shy of £800!
In the past I've paid approx £100 - £220 (colder periods) maximum.

Obviously unable to call them now. Before I do I'd appreciate some feedback with people who experienced this in the past.

Thanks

Y

LittleVoice

Check the estimated meter reading against your actual meter reading.

jalexa

Yarsir wrote: »

It's an estimated bill...

...obviously unable to call them now.

Yes but you are able to go your meter and get an actual reading to compare with the estimate.

Post that, the recent estimate, the bill opening reading (including whether actual or estimate) and you might get more meaningful help.

Yarsir

Thanks for the replies.

Ok, the billing period was from 26 August 11 to 21 November 11

I'm presuming the Meter reading is the first 4 digits, and not the last 3 in red?

Bill states, Reading last time 4653 (E)

Reading This time 6401

Just checked reading now, 6200 :huh:

Thanks

baza52

Oh dear.... It wont be much less than the estimate.
Id guess around the 700 - 720 pound mark for the ammount you have used

jalexa

Yarsir wrote: »

Bill states, Reading last time 4653 (E)

Reading This time 6401

Just checked reading now, 6200

The "problem" is obvious, the previous reading is an estimate. You will get about £90 knocked off if you submit the 6200 actual, something you should have done on each and every previous bill you have received.

The Southern Electric bill is very clear on that.

Almost certainly you have not been paying enough against actual since the last actual reading, for possibly up to 2 years. This bill is what is called a "catch-up" bill.

Yarsir

ok, not what I wanted to hear

Who's job is it to read the meter? I thought Southern Electric had the responsibility of that? Meter is located outside, on the side of building, no gates, easy access.

Well I suppose at least it can't be 'that' much if I continue to monitor it myself..

Will call them tomorrow.

Thanks

Y

jalexa

Yarsir wrote: »

Who's job is it to read the meter?

That's equally easy to answer. It is the suppliers job to bill according to the billing frequency. There is only a statutory responsibility for the supplier to read the meter once every two years. In between times it is common to estimate. It is your responsibilty to accept or reject an estimate. If you supply a customer reading in the "billing window" (a week or so before or after the bill date) you will get an accurate bill.

Now you know you will see the Southern Electric bill is very clear about that.

chanz4

Its only theres once every 2 years, but they will try more. Its upto you also.

daveyjp

Far better to read it every time, submit new readings if the estimate is miles out and pay what is due. No nasty surprises that way. With SSE the new bill is now instantaneous when using the online service.

spiro

The British Gas T&Cs require you to submit meter readings twice a year because as others have said they only have to read the gas meter every 2 years. For elec it can be even longer as the 2 years resets every time you change suppliers.

The golden rule is every time you get a bill check the meter reading.