Previous occupant bills underestimated caused by bills to soar?

myright

okay guys,

Previous occupant of the house bills were based on estimations, which were too low, therefore they enjoyed paying smaller bills.

We've had on going dispute with the energy supplier in regards to this.

We've occupied the house for about 5 months and provided meter readings. Despite not even being in the house and not using much electricity or gas. The bill due, soared in comparison to the estimations.

So I have provided actual meter readings for 2 months, which is minimal! as nobody actually stays in the house due to work etc.

What would be the best cause of action to make use pay for what we have used and not having to be lumbered with the previous occupants usage costs!?

adouglasmhor

Tell the supplier your bills start from the reading you supplied and that's it. If they don't like it report them to Ofgem.

Cardew

The crucial question is did you take meter readings on occupation and supply them to the Utility company?

Unless you did, it is simply a dispute between you and the previous occupant - and the probability is you lose!

The Utility company have supplied the gas/electricity and it has to be paid for by someone.

jalexa

Cardew wrote: »

Unless you did, it is simply a dispute between you and the previous occupant -

I agree with your underlying advice but not with that point. There is no contractual relationship (to dispute) between different occupiers. If the current occupier foolishly failed to provide a reading on entry the current occupier needs to either agree a reading with the supplier or accept the suppliers estimate - for the date of entry - which can be reasonably proved by documentary means.

MillicentBystander

Camera phones are marvellous for times like these - when I completed the sale of my late father's house I took photos of the reading on the gas, electric and water meters on the day of exchange, duly dated. I then informed the relevant companies of the readings but have kept the photos on my phone just in case.

RWM38

I've dealt with cases where the new utility company has based their bills on the usage of the previous occupant (based on info' provided by previous supplier at date of switchover), and this means that the budget scheme monthly amount charged to the new occupier is too high. In this situation it is best to speak to the new supplier and get the bills based on actual monthly usage, (not their budget plan scheme, i.e. annual estimated usage divided by 12). By doing this, and providing monthly meter readings, you only pay for your actual usage! - If your current supplier won't do this, change to one that will. I changed supplier when I moved in November 2011, and my new supplier is happy to bill me for actual usage (not an estimate based on previous occupant), and I've been very happy with them.

myright

thanks ^ but the problem is, that estimated is way below what it should have been , as they were estimating based on some of the rubish inacurate reading the previous owners had given a long time back. Desite us not even using the electrcity ets, its come to over 1 grand in debt to them now. Plus what we use currently which is practially nothing.

Cardew

Unless you did, it is simply a dispute between you and the previous occupant -

jalexa wrote: »

I agree with your underlying advice but not with that point. There is no contractual relationship (to dispute) between different occupiers. If the current occupier foolishly failed to provide a reading on entry the current occupier needs to either agree a reading with the supplier or accept the suppliers estimate - for the date of entry - which can be reasonably proved by documentary means.

I really don't think we need to get down to semantics when giving general advice.

I totally accept that there is no 'contractual relationship' between outgoing and incoming occupants; I didn't suggest that was the case.

After 5 months the Utility company are hardly likely to send a revised bill and demand, based on yet another estimated meter reading(s) to the old occupier.

Assuming that the utility company won't write off some money as a goodwill gesture, it leaves the OP with few options.

He can appeal to the better nature of the old occupier!! or in extremis take him/her to the Small Claims court.

Neither of those options would have much chance of success IMO.

myright

so do you think we're lumbered with it?

also how do u suggest we pay it off? their giving me 12 months. I dont want a meter. Are there better methods? with eon

Cardew

myright wrote: »

thanks ^ but the problem is, that estimated is way below what it should have been , as they were estimating based on some of the rubish inacurate reading the previous owners had given a long time back. Desite us not even using the electrcity ets, its come to over 1 grand in debt to them now. Plus what we use currently which is practially nothing.

I take it from the above statement that you didn't note meter readings when you moved in; or if you did, you didn't give those readings to the Utility company??

If that was the case, and given you are not disputing that the gas/electricity was used(and needs to be paid for) - what do you think should happen?

Is there any chance that the previous occupant will accept that he owes most of that 'Grand'?

runninglea

did you take meter readings when you moved in?