British Gas - Taken back incentive payment

dori2o

I signed up to British Gas In September last year after one of their salesmen knocked on the door.

I signed up afetr he told me that by joining them for both Gas and Electricity, I would get a £53 credit on my Gas statement as a thank you for signing up. This was confirmed on a leaflet he gave to me.

I wasn't sure as they were the highest priced suppliers, but the salesman said, just switch over until the credit is due, gt it on your statement and then switch to someone else.

So I took the plunge and switched. The transfer took place on the 3rd November for gas, and the 7th November for Electric.

When I got my bill after 3 months there was no credit on there, so I caled them up. They explained it would be on the next bill issued and that if I gave him the correct meter readings for both gas and electricity, they would send out the new bill which would include the £53.

This they duly did, then a week later I requested a transfer to another supplier (via the comparison site)

The transfer of Electric wen through on the 26th March, and the Gas changed over on the 17th April.

I've just had my final gas bil from British Gas and they have taken the £53 credit off me and are requesting it back.

Is this right, can they do this. The leaflet I have does not mention having to be with them for 12 months etc, only that I should have both gas and electric supplied to the property at the time of the credit being issued, which is correct, I did have both gas and electric supplied at the time the credit was issued.

Is there anything I can do?

dori2o

***bump***

MarkyMarkD

If their leaflet stated that the £53 credit had no strings attached, then they can't claw it back.

But seriously, you are mad if you sign up for a supplier you know is the most expensive, just because of a £53 rebate! You can get rebates of almost that amount by signing up for the BEST value suppliers, online via the relevant moneyback site.

tripled

The credit is issued on the first quarterly bill after you have been supplied by them for dual fuel for 91 days. So provided the quarterly bill was issued on or after 6th February 2007 and they still supplied you at that point they can't claw it back.

dori2o

Sent a letter to BG on 17 May, was received by them 19th May by recorded delivery- the letter basicall stated that I was unhappy and thet the account was now in dispute with no further monies to be paid until it was resolved.

I have not had any response from them regarding the letter, but today I got a 'WARNING OF COURT ACTION' letter basically asking for the full amount now.

What should I do next.

MarkyMarkD

Nothing. If they really take you to court, produce the copy of the recorded delivery letter.

They will need to prove in court that they are entitled to the £53 back. If they are not, they will lose their case.

tripled

Pay the electricity account, and all except £53 of the gas account. Then make a compaint to energywatch or the energy ombudsman.