Rip off British Gas

aways987

I am currently studying at university in Southampton when I am not in my 4 bed detached house in Essex I leave my gas completely off and when I am there (a few weekends and Christmas the heating/hot water is on a timer for once a day.)

For the last 11 months I have been paying around £140 a month and I am now in debit (owe) by about £600. I have had numerous arguments with them on the phone with the matter, my meter has recently started to make a hissing noise but I can smell no gas. When I set up my direct debit with BG early last year they told me my estimated usage was £60 p.m. I have told them my circumstances over and over again and suggested that the meter could be an issue. It has taken me over two months to get a meter appointment arranged, I will have to pay £60 if my existing meter is working and even if it is not I will only be refunded for three weeks worth of gas.

Has anyone had a similar experience with British Gas and any suggestions here is my comical bills from British Gas.

Date Credits Balance

23 Feb 2013 Charges reversed 723.50 239.16
19 Feb 2013 Gas Charges 723.50 -484.34
19 Feb 2013 Charges reversed 352.85 239.16
16 Feb 2013 Gas Charges 352.85 -113.69
06 Feb 2013 Direct Debit payment received 146.00 239.16
07 Jan 2013 Direct Debit payment received 146.00 93.16
08 Dec 2012 Gas Charges 326.17 -52.84
08 Dec 2012 Charges reversed 367.13 273.33
06 Dec 2012 Direct Debit payment received 157.00 -93.80
23 Nov 2012 Amount refunded 25.00 -250.80
23 Nov 2012 Miscellaneous adjustment 25.00 -225.80
16 Nov 2012 Gas Charges 367.13 -250.80
06 Nov 2012 Direct Debit payment received 127.00 116.33
08 Oct 2012 Direct Debit payment received 127.00 -10.67
06 Sep 2012 Direct Debit payment received 127.00 -137.67
06 Aug 2012 Direct Debit payment received 127.00 -264.67
31 Jul 2012 Gas Charges 82.13 -391.67
06 Jul 2012 Direct Debit payment received 127.00 -309.54
11 May 2012 Gas Charges 127.43 -436.54
17 Apr 2012 Miscellaneous 14.00 -309.11
17 Feb 2012 Gas Charges 441.11 -295.11
17 Feb 2012 Charges reversed 675.49 146.00
04 Feb 2012 Gas Charges 675.49 -529.49

Cardew

Is your gas meter Metric(a gas unit is a cubic metre) or Imperial( a gas unit is 100 cubic feet)?

How many gas units have you used in the year?

A metric gas unit is approx 11.2kWh and an Imperial gas unit is approx 32 kWh.

It is not uncommon for Utility companies to charge for an Imperial meter when a metric meter is fitted.

C_Mababejive

I think its a little unfair to brand them ripoff. Surely it all hinges upon the accuracy or otherwise of the meter. If its measuring accurately then clearly the gas has been used.