Gas meter labelled wrongly - owe 100s!

babasu

Hi there,

We live in a new build block of flats. We had a new boiler fitted recently and discovered that our gas meter was wrongly labelled and that we had been paying for the gas used by our neighbour (and presumably they've been paying for our usage). My partner contacted British Gas who told us we owe them £900!!! They say because the labelling was done by the builders it's not their fault and that we're eligible. We can pay it back in installments but I don't understand why we should be paying them because presumably we should actually be paying our neighbour! Any advice?

Thanks

Rebecca

Joyful

You will pay British Gas when they bill you correctly then your neighbours will get a refund if they have overpaid from BG. For all you know they may not have paid their bills.

Cardew

A new build block of flats, and yet a new boiler fitted??

This situation has been reported many times on MSE and the situation has sometimes gone on for years; made more complicated because occupants have changed during that period.

It also happens with water meters.

The Utility company are correct that they are not at fault. If you are both original occupants, there isn't a problem; as stated above you will both be re-billed.

macman

To build up a difference of £900 (unless the neighbours don't use much gas at all and you use a lot), this must have been going on for few years?
Curious as to why a 'new build' would need a new boiler?
Your neighbour may not be a BG customer, it's up to them to request their own refund.