Debts caused by no readings

Pinkpolkadots_2

Looking for some advice. My partner and I have been living in our rented two bed flat for two years. It's a modern flat, well insulated with underfloor heating, which we very rarely need to use. Everything is powered by electricity, no gas.

When we moved in we gave the electricity company a reading but since then we haven't. Our meter is locked away in a room and we don't have access (although will do shortly). When we moved in our bill was around £30 a month. In march this year we got a letter to say it will be doubled to £60 and just recently we got a letter to say it is going up to £140!

When I rang the electricity company to ask why this was so high, as we use very little, being at work most of the day, I was I formed we were in debt. Now, we pay our bills monthly by direct debit so I couldn't understand how we would be in debt.

Apparently we are in debt because the company had been under estimating our bills for two years. They tried to get a reading a couple of times but couldn't so just guessed what we used. They have recently took a reading and discovered they have been under-charging us. As we were never informed that they couldn't get a reading and were never asked to provide a reading for them, I am more than disgruntled by this. I feel it is the companies fault we are now in debt, not ours. Any advice please?

Torry_Quine

Sorry but they only have to take a reading every two years. If you have been getting estimated bills then it's your responsibility to get accurate readings. £30 per month was never going to cover it.

Pinkpolkadots_2

Then why estimate it at that, they must have known it was too little?

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.

The bills sent to you would have shown that the readings were estimated - normally denoted by an (E) against the reading.

You should have checked the bill estimated readings against the actual meter reading and informed the company. It is not the company's fault that neither they or you have access to the meters.

It is also pertinent to point out that £30 a month(even £60) is not realistic for an all electric flat.

superbigal36

Don't forget now that you have been welcomed to the real world to make sure you are on the best tariff.

Cardew

Pinkpolkadots wrote: »

Then why estimate it at that, they must have known it was too little?

Bills are all produced by 'The Computer' and untouched by human hand!

The Computer has no idea if the flat is occupied, a bedsit or a 10 bedroomed mansion. Once an estimated bill is unchallenged by the customer, it continues to produce estimated bills based on that consumption.

You have, in effect, had an interest free loan.

You need to check your bill to ensure that the additional charges are not all based on July 2013 rates.

Pinkpolkadots_2

Thanks to those providing useful comments

matelodave

It's up to you to check your bill and tell the supply company if their estimates are wrong as it will always catch up with you in the end.

There is no advantage in having a low direct debit if you end up paying a ginormous lump to catch up because you've been underpaying.

Take control, read the meter regularly yourself and send it to your supplier - you can't blame them for not keeping an eye on it yourself.

undaunted

I can understand your irritation with this & too my mind the two years rule is ridiculous, estimates should not be permitted on an ongoing basis, they (theoretically) have a responsibility to accurately bill accounts and should not be trying to pass the buck onto customers as they do.

That said, irrespective of what I may believe I would have to warn you that whilst you could complain to the Energy Ombudsman if you wish (and this will cost the company money if taken up) you are probably on a hiding to nothing with it and will get little, if any, help anywhere as things presently stand I'm afraid.

The best you can hope for is probably to try & agree repayment over the same period the debt accrued in.

There is possibly also the option to try & apply for an energy trust grant if you feel circumstances warrant it - though no guarantee you will be accepted.

Wywth

Pinkpolkadots wrote: »

Looking for some advice. My partner and I have been living in our rented two bed flat for two years. It's a modern flat, well insulated with underfloor heating, which we very rarely need to use. Everything is powered by electricity, no gas.

When we moved in we gave the electricity company a reading but since then we haven't. Our meter is locked away in a room and we don't have access (although will do shortly). When we moved in our bill was around £30 a month. In march this year we got a letter to say it will be doubled to £60 and just recently we got a letter to say it is going up to £140!

When I rang the electricity company to ask why this was so high, as we use very little, being at work most of the day, I was I formed we were in debt. Now, we pay our bills monthly by direct debit so I couldn't understand how we would be in debt.

Apparently we are in debt because the company had been under estimating our bills for two years. They tried to get a reading a couple of times but couldn't so just guessed what we used. They have recently took a reading and discovered they have been under-charging us. As we were never informed that they couldn't get a reading and were never asked to provide a reading for them, I am more than disgruntled by this. I feel it is the companies fault we are now in debt, not ours. Any advice please?

Very simple. If you were using more than the monthly payments were covering, you will end up in debt to the supplier.

Any bill/statement will indicate whether or not it was based on estimated meter readings. If it was, you should have checked those estimated readings against the actual meter.
Afterall, the meter is at your property, not at the suppliers address.

undaunted

Wywth wrote: »

Afterall, the meter is at your property, not at the suppliers address.

It is however their meter / license & responsibility to bill the account accurately - not the customers, they who placed it, are dithering re introduction of smart meters etc. Still far easier to pass the buck onto the consumer