I got my money back from British Gas - well nearly

hedgehog_3

Eight months ago I moved house and gave meter readings for my electricity and gas to British Gas who supplied both utilities. I immediately received a letter from them saying that the gas account was closed and that it was in credit and that it would be refunded. Despite many calls and conversations the money hasnt arrived however this week I was so angry I contacted Energywatch, BBC watchdog and wrote to British Gas to say I had contacted the above and if they didnt pay within 7 days I would issue a County Court Claim (ie take them to the small claims court - would have been £30 well spent). I sent the email last night and guess what I received an email today saying that "they are happy to say they have issued a refund today which will arrive no later than next Monday". Will let you know if the cheque arrives. Still waiting for them to close my electricity account however, the bills they are sending have now reached £500. Of course I've repeatedly told them that I dont live there and these bills dont relate to me but Im getting worried that this could be affecting my credit rating. Please let me know if you have had any similar problems.

anniecave

I do know people who have had similar problems.
Mistakes do happen. In particular if the person who has moved in after you hasn't given their details, or if the property remained empty.
I would have complained to energywatch though.
That doesn't mean it shouldn't have been sorted though.
I hope you get both of them sorted out.

tripled

British Gas don't record your details with Experian on live accounts. They only do it if a closed account is unpaid.

I agree with anniecave that energywatch is they way forward, if they aren't looking into it already give em a bell

hedgehog_3

I did contact energywatch - I think I contacted everyone whilst I was on my mission to get my cash back. To be honest not that impressed with Energywatch. When I emailed them they just wrote back saying thanks but fill in our form and then we will do something. Cant say that I was in the mood to fill in a form as I was still raging from the £500 bill BG has just sent me. Anyway they have written to BG but I think the threat of the court seemed to spur the most reaction from BG. That said Im still waiting for the cheque.
They have until next Monday then its court time!

beeniemac

tripled wrote:

British Gas don't record your details with Experian on live accounts. They only do it if a closed account is unpaid.

I'm quite sure that this is no longer the case. I remember hearing that following the introduction of SAP there will be credit reference agency activity with live accounts, although I must admit I have not seen any evidence of this first hand.

As mentioned, if you feel that you are at the end of your teather and aren't getting anywhere with BG, get in touch with energywatch and fill in their form. Energy suppliers, unfortunately, are always a little more customer focused once energywatch become involved.