Standing charge for CAPPED meter!

TheHoneyBadger

We moved into a new property on the 5th and rang Npower and explained this and that we had a working electric meter and a capped gas meter so wouldn't be using the gas. The lady I spoke to said this was okay and she'd put us on a standard electricity bill and send some info out in the post, we also spoke about changing supplier and she said this would be fine and there would be no charge.
Today we've received notification of out charges and they want us to pay 45p standing charge for gas! I've rung them to explain that I'm not happy and pretty much getting faced with "tough luck" What are my options?

unclehugo

you have two options

Either pay your MAM to remove the Meter from your home or else switch to a provider that does not charge a standing charge

molerat

If you have not used any gas since moving into the property then it is doubtful that a deemed contract will exist so tell them to go do one

Wywth

TheHoneyBadger wrote: »

We moved into a new property on the 5th and rang Npower and explained this and that we had a working electric meter and a capped gas meter so wouldn't be using the gas. The lady I spoke to said this was okay and she'd put us on a standard electricity bill and send some info out in the post, we also spoke about changing supplier and she said this would be fine and there would be no charge.
Today we've received notification of out charges and they want us to pay 45p standing charge for gas! I've rung them to explain that I'm not happy and pretty much getting faced with "tough luck" What are my options?

What makes you think the supply is capped if there is still a meter there?
When a supply is disconnected, they usually take the meter away.
(Why would a supplier pay rental on a meter when there is no supply?)

You could request disconnection (but get your LL's permission first if you are renting)

TheHoneyBadger

I had written confirmation from the agents that the gas is capped and a cert from an engineer saying the same, I rang Npower because there was a perivious bill in the property and noticed the gas standing charge which was something like 15p (stupidly I've binned it) so wanted to let them know that it was electric only, after explaining this to the lady she said "yes thats fine we will just send you out our sta dard tarrif", at no point did she mention the gas standing charge as part of the standard bill, and considering I'd notified them of the capped meter and said we would only need an electric tariff her resonse of "yes thats fine" implied that the tariff we would recieve would be electric only.

molerat

As I posted previously, if you have not consumed any gas since moving into the property then it is unlikely that any (deemed) contract exists between you and NPower. No contract, deemed or otherwise, means you owe them nothing.

From http://www.utilityweek.co.uk/news/news_story.asp?id=183385&title=The+ins+and+outs+of+%27deemed%27+contracts

However, Ofgem recently clarified its view on the matter: it said that deemed contracts apply only once gas or electricity is consumed. It accepts, though, that its view is non-binding and that interpretation of the legislation is ultimately a matter for the courts.

A meter on the premises is irrelevant, whether the supply is capped or not is irrelevant. The only confirmation / acceptance of a deemed contract is the use of the provided energy supply.

undaunted

I agree with molerat it's just the latest example of suppliers - & this is one of , if not the, worst for it trying to see what they can get away with next.

As to paying to remove the meter why on earth should you - it's not your meter that has been left there, nor your choice that it was

chanz4

You have an issue, the gas and electric will be under the same account so a deemed contract is entered into.

molerat

Ah I see, because you have used the electric you have got to pay for gas as well .... I wonder what a judge would make of that one !

[Deleted User]

Capping the meter just seems to be a health n safety issue , done for vacant premises. Its easily removed. The meter is still there with its supply all ready. If you wont be needing a gas supply now the option is to have it removed ( at a cost ). There seems to be more capping of meters in Council properties especially , maybe because people are breaking in nicking the meter/copper and leaving the gas on full blast. I have seen instances of this going off, one under a church, in the cellar ( Snaith Methodist Church ) was one notable meter / copper theft, of how stupid people are

chanz4

molerat wrote: »

Ah I see, because you have used the electric you have got to pay for gas as well .... I wonder what a judge would make of that one !

that's whys its called a duel fuel account