British Gas

trees297

Hi, I have a problem with the above yet, again. In October we received a zero gas bill. I tried on several occasions to get through to customer services, to no avail, even my own phone was cutting off I was left waiting so long. The meter man came again in January, we received a zero balance bill again in February, I finally managed to speak to BG, the operator told me to read the meter and call back. I did so, The operator then informed me that my meter was broken, I asked how he knew that, he told me he could tell from the reading. I asked why the other 2 meter reades had not pointed this out, he said they wouldn't know. I asked if he could tell me how long BG had known the meter was not working, his first reply was I don't really want to tell you that, my reply was (with a few choice words thrown in) you had better tell me. He said the meter had not been reading correctly since August 2006. We had a new meter fitted in May, the meter reader came out 2 weeks ago, we have still not had a bill. I am obviously not going to be very happy with the amount they will finally demand, does anyone have any clue how I can dispute this to my advantage.
Many thanks in anticiption.

bargain-hunter-uk_2

you can't. but they will offer you 10% off the bill when it is calculated, and a customer payment scheme to spead the payments across 12 months.

I doubt whether the meter is broken, even he couldn't tell that on the phone. It sounds like they have not updated the meter exchange and that is causing a billing block. Ask them to refer it to FLS (front line services) who can sort it out.

Cardew

trees297 wrote: »

I am obviously not going to be very happy with the amount they will finally demand,

Why "obviously"?

If you feel the bill, when presented, is too high you will have very strong grounds to dispute it.

However in cases like this, where there is no fault attached to the customer, BG will normally cut a large percentage of their estimated bill - which is normally based on previous consumption(if known)

You presumably have been putting aside some money in anticipation of your expected bill?

bargain-hunter-uk_2

However in cases like this, where there is no fault attached to the customer, BG will normally cut a large percentage of their estimated bill - which is normally based on previous consumption(if known)


10% is the standard maximum allowance agreed with energywatch

Backbiter

I don't see how you can lose really. On the one hand you've had the benefit of money that would have been in BG's coffers for the past months. On the other, when they do finally bill you you are almost certain to benefit from a deduction, giving you a discount on gas you've used that you wouldn't have received if your meter hadn't been 'faulty'.
As Cardew says, you are in a very strong bargaining position. How can they send you an accurate bill when they say your meter is defective? Just query the first one and offer what you think is reasonable, based on prior consumption.