Transposed meter readings

Fi_1966

Scottish power recently (Dec 12) dropped our monthly dual fuel direct debit by a considerable amount stating we were considerably in credit on our account. This was the 2nd quite large reduction in DD payment since we switched to them as our supplier 2 yrs ago.
First reduction I put down to having cavity wall insulation put in and having a new boiler fitted etc. but 2nd reduction concerned me as I was aware gas and electricity costs were rising not going down.

We have our meter read annually by them. Actual meter readings done by them in Jan 11(just after switching),13th Jan 2012 and 21st Jan this year. We have been supplying our own meter readings as requested by them on a quarterly basis.
Request for meter came through yesterday and I noticed we had been putting our night rate electricity reading in the day rate box and vice versa.......to be fair their online input boxes are confusing as they request the readings the opposite way to the way they are on the meter (meter reads low rate top number and normal rate bottom number their website asks for the numbers the other way round)

I realise this is our mistake and have phoned them and explained the situation, although I did say I was surprised that their own meter readers had been getting it wrong also (3 times).
Advised they will put the account in to dispute and get back to us.......I am now really concerned they are going to bill me for the 2 yrs additional usage in one hit which I would struggle to meet financially.
Do you think they will negotiate a payment plan for me or will I be expected to pay a one off amount?

TIA if any one can help.

Fire_Fox

If it is their mistake I believe they can only back bill one year, they may be able to bill more if it is your mistake, but hopefully someone else will confirm or deny.

You should be given time to pay, the debt should be spread over a year say. If you have problems SP have a company representative that posts here on MSE, AFAIK most of the company reps are decent and do get issues resolved fairly.

[Deleted User]

I am not surprised at all that the meter readers get it wrong all the time. Here at G4S (formerly Accuread ) in S. Yorkshire its normal for them to get it wrong

Fi_1966

sacsquacco wrote: »

I am not surprised at all that the meter readers get it wrong all the time. Here at G4S (formerly Accuread ) in S. Yorkshire its normal for them to get it wrong

So not content with messing up Olympic security they can't read meters either!! :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Sorry couldn't resist.

Fi_1966

Just a quick update.
Scottish power have agreed not to back bill for any of the previous electricity use and have reset our bills from today.
I am thrilled they are not charging us the 2 years back pay which I thought would be about £1300.
It is nice to be able to write something positive about a utility company in this day and age.