No bill for a year - will I get stung?

BatemanLDN

I am living in rented accomodation and have not recieved a bill for the gas/electric for over a year now.
This is after numerous calls to the provider trying to get some information from them as to when I'll be getting a bill and what is going on.
The reason for no bill coming through is due to a previous tennant not paying their bill and an ongoing case being open on the address.
My fear is - when that is finally settled will I get a huge bill for the amount of gas/electricity I have used since moving in and will they demand it in full?
I really dont know where I stand with this as they are not being helpful with giving any information as they'cannot talk about the account due to an outstanding case'

floopnoodle

BatemanLDN wrote: »

My fear is - when that is finally settled will I get a huge bill for the amount of gas/electricity I have used since moving in and will they demand it in full?

Presumably you've been putting an amount aside each month in order to pay for what you have used?

GlynD

I would advise you to write to the head office of your provider and use recorded delivery. Asking them to investigate why you haven't had a bill for the service provided.

I would also take note of Floopnoodle's comments. You'll still be liable to pay whatever is outstanding so it's better to have a few bob in savings ready to hand out.

BatemanLDN

floopnoodle wrote: »

Presumably you've been putting an amount aside each month in order to pay for what you have used?

This isn't what I asked. I have the money. More out of priciple, can they actually demand the full amount even though i've been on at them trying to get a bill?

GlynD wrote: »

I would advise you to write to the head office of your provider and use recorded delivery. Asking them to investigate why you haven't had a bill for the service provided.

I would also take note of Floopnoodle's comments. You'll still be liable to pay whatever is outstanding so it's better to have a few bob in savings ready to hand out.

I've asked every time i've called to make sure it's put on my record that i've called but I suppose I can only take their word for it whether they actually do.
Yep, money is there - as I say though, can they actually demand the full amount?

lstar337

You wont get 'stung', but you will have to pay for what you have used.

Bluebirdman_of_Alcathays

Yes they can.

You've used the product, you will be expected to pay for it, however appalling the billing process has been. They may offer you a small reduction as a gesture of goodwill.

And it's a good thing you have got the money - there are many many instances of people coming to this forum when it's gone beyond that stage!

pmlindyloo

There are regulations about back billing.

Have a read of this:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/consumer_energy_and_water_supply_e/consumer_energy_supply_e/consumer_energy_bills_e/consumer_problems_with_energy_bills_e/you_havent_had_an_energy_bill_for_a_while.htm

MillicentBystander

Amazed with all the industry experts/insiders on here that this thread got to post #7 before the back billing rule was mooted.

BatemanLDN

pmlindyloo wrote: »

There are regulations about back billing.

Have a read of this:
*link*

Thanks, thats a great link.
For info for anyone who is also in a simlar position, the advice on this link for the Citizens Advice Bureau states the following -

adviceguide.org.uk wrote:

...energy suppliers have to follow certain rules about how far back they can bill you. This is called the back billing code.
...
If you have made efforts to contact your supplier and they failed to provide a bill, they cannot charge you for energy you used more than a year ago.

So i may actually not have to pay for some of what I have used. Good news obviously

lstar337

BatemanLDN wrote: »

So i may actually not have to pay for some of what I have used. Good news obviously

Maybe for you. Somebody will have to pay for your usage.;)

MillicentBystander

lstar337 wrote: »

Maybe for you. Somebody will have to pay for your usage.;)

Yes, but if the OP really HAS tried to get his energy supplier to charge him and they haven't due to their ineptitude that's the supplier's fault, not the OP's. I guess the back billing rule was brought in to try and make the suppliers more efficient - nothing like having to write off some charges to concentrate their minds.