economy 7 blunder

paddywhacker2210

I received a call a few weeks back and was asked by the agent at British Gas wether I was on the correct tariff as my economy 7 readings implied that I wasn't consuming 40% of my energy during nights. Not having a degree in energy billing I acted dumb and asked for clarification. Basically unless you have an immersion heater economy 7 may not be for you.
Complaint logged and initially politely declined by British Gas for any responsibility on their part. 2nd complaint logged and request for all bills since joining British Gas. Phone call received and offer of refund for disparity of 26months billing at over £200. 3 years outstanding but due to New billing system the agent was unable to access older bills. £100 opening offer for remaining 36months incorrect billing but offer declined and now complaint raised further!

Buzby

I realise this is your first post, but it isn't clear what your issue is.

Over consumption? Under billing? Charged for E7 in error?

macman

You don't necessarily need to use as much as 40% on night rate. It can be as little as 25% depending on tariff and region. Simply look at your annual statement and see what percentage kWh you are using on each register.
Then put the figures into any comp site, once for E7 and once for single rate. Two minutes work, no 'energy billing' degree needed.
But broadly speaking, it probably won't be worth having E7 unless you have storage heaters and an immersion heater-though there are exceptions.

paddywhacker2210

Just thought I'd let people know about it as I've spoken to friends n families who are all checking what plan they are on as concerned.
Has taken some perseverance to get this far and believe that I can go back further with previous suppliers.

[Deleted User]

People on here all seem to be aware of it, they are some of the most clued up people in the country when it comes to Utilitys, however out there in the wide wide world the population are not at all aware of eco 7 meters. Most have inherited them, they dont understand them, they nearly all have gas central heating so are paying a premium rate for the day rate whilst using a unit or two in the night. I would like to see all the suppliers informing their customers of this fact, after all they are supposed to be letting them know of the cheapest tariff

macman

OP, we still don't have a clue what your actual issue is?

lstar337

macman wrote: »

OP, we still don't have a clue what your actual issue is?

Just that they were E7 when they didn't need to be.

Now they are claiming money back from the supplier because they didn't tell them they would be better off on a single rate tariff.

I'm surprised the supplier is offering any money, it is the customers responsibility to make sure they are on the right tariff.

I guess they just pass the OP's mistake onto the bills of the rest of us.

macman

So what's all this stuff about 'going back further with previous suppliers'? Are they serious?

mililly

Ats very interesting actually.as when I moved into current house in 1989 we had ductedcair heating changed in 1991 to combi and radiators from then upto last yr and umpteen providers no one told me about my economy 7 on the meter, we didnt and never had heaters or anything that would warrent economy 7. We found out lst yr that we were paying premium rates in day and less at night which wasnt needed. Had a new meter digital input and since then my monthly payments are now 225 a month..even though I was told they would go down.,

macman

I wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth if you've been offered any reduction. The supplier has no idea what sort of heating you have and cares even less. It's your job to pick the most suitable tariff for your type of heating and change it if you change your method of heating. How can BG know what is right for your property?

paddywhacker2210

British gas called back this week and immediately offered to repay the difference back to 2008. The issue was that my consumption showed the provider I was on the incorrect billing and paying for a service that wasn't being used. Clearly by British Gas' response they agreed that they did have a responsibility to ensure consumers are paying for the correct service.
This post was made to assist others who are paying for the service that isn't required