Gas suppliers and IGT's

mf78

Today I went to get a meter reading as we're switching suppliers and noticed a smell of gas. Rang the emergency line to see if that was normal around a meter - it isn't - and an engineer was round right away. Unfortunately it was the meter that was leaking, and he couldn't replace it as it was of a different type they don't carry (an E6), so cut us off instead.

Rang British Gas, who were very helpful, but was told it wasn't one of their meters but belonged to GTC who are an Independent Gas Transporter. BG then said they'd report it for me and GTC would be in touch. However as it transpires, GTC's office closes 5pm on Friday and doesn't open until Monday, and the out of hours line cant do anything, only pass the message along for somebody to read after the weekend. So it looks like we'll be without gas for a while.

Is that normal for ITG's to be have no service on weekends like that? I mean I wasn't necessarily expecting them to come out and fix it, but atleast to be able to book in an appointment for after the weekend. Its not too big a deal for us, but if this happened in the middle of winter to a home with people vulnerable to the cold, surely it would be unacceptable.

I've not been in this situation before, so no idea if this normal or not. British Gas have been very helpful with it, and did ring GTC for me twice to see if this was usual, so cant fault them. Has anyone else come across this?

mf78

Well a surprising update. Despite what I'd been told by the overseas call centre, the local engineer just called and said he'd be with me in the morning! So all seems to be good after all.

chanz4

Its all red tape but your supplier could of booked an eco job.

gas4you

It's all to do with the emergency provider getting paid.

If they turn up to a property and the gas supplier for that property hasn't a contract with them, they turn off and wait until that supplier agree's to pay them.

E6 meters are not that common, but often a standard meter will fit in its place.