Legal dilema - NEVER had a gas bill (or meter read)

argeetee

I'm concerned about a friend (truly) who despite having a meter, has never had it read or received a gas bill whilst living in their flat for many years. They genuinely thought gas was included as they had previously enjoyed heat-inclusive renting when a council tenant. Now they might have to move and are worried. I'm wondering what will happen as I'm sure this oversight by the gas company (probably from the days of British Gas) will be unearthed.

I'm sure some of you may enjoy speculating on the moral dilemma or the legal outcome of this situation - thanks, but please I'm really after any proven advice or weblinks which inform on what may happen (previous cases?) or maybe possible legal outcomes (consumer law?).

Many thanks in advance.
Argy

Cardew

All here:

http://www.energy-uk.org.uk/customers/energy-industry-codes/code-of-practice-for-accurate-bills.html

The back-billing provision in the the billing code states that companies cannot back-bill more than 12 months where the company are at fault.

However it specifically excludes customers who make no attempts to contact their supplier - and the code gives examples.

It seems like your friends fit this latter category?? If so and a hard line is taken, they can bill back 6 years.

wakeupalarm

Other customers will pay the bill for you.

spacey2012

wakeupalarm wrote: »

Other customers will pay the bill for you.

Please give the slightest evidence to support this theory.

GwylimT

When I was younger I rented a house in Trefechan in Ceredigion, when I set up my bills through the provider the previous tenants used there was no record of gas, yet the heating was gas central heating and there was a gas hob. They advised that I called the national grid who then told me the house didn't have a gas supply, I disputed this as clearly there was a supply and I didn't want to suddenly have a very nasty bill through the post.

I lived there for three years and during that time I didn't pay a penny for gas, I did however put money aside each month just in case. I never heard anything after moving out, when I moved in the house had only recently been built so there must have been a mistake with this property when hooking them all up. You would think after being informed that there was in fact gas at the property the national grid would register it, but they didn't for me, I have no idea if it has now been sorted out.