Bill from British Gas 8 months after account closed - can they do this?

Kite86

Hi, I'm just looking for some advice as to what to do next - I had an account with British Gas which was closed (and as far as I knew settled) in February. I was recently looking through my list of direct debits on my online bank account and deleted the direct debit to British Gas as it had been inactive since February when I moved to a new utility company. However, the day after deleting this direct debit from my bank account I had an email from British Gas saying I owed them £80.

This was the first time I have been billed for this money, my direct debit to British Gas had been inactive for months (during which time they had the opportunity to take the money), and my online account with British Gas had been closed. I queried this with British Gas, and had an email back just repeating that I owe the money. They have now passed this to a debt collection agency, and have added an administration charge of £5 after I had only had the bill for about a week! I have requested a paper bill from British Gas but so far have received nothing.

Can they do this? Does anyone have any advice on the best way to proceed? I had trouble switching from British Gas to my new utility company - they blocked the transfer 3 times, and every time I phoned up they couldn't tell me why it had been blocked. I ended up getting an official apology and they allowed the transfer to go ahead. I think it may have been due to an outstanding bill belonging to previous tenants, so am suspicious that this is where the outstanding £80 has come from.

I don't know how to prove that I don't owe the £80 though - I don't have copies of any bills as I was billed online (should have printed them off!) so it looks like all they need to do is print off a bill for £80 and force me to pay it.

Consumerist

The onus of proof is on BG but you should try to get the relevant bank statements showing payments made.

It seems odd that they have waited only one week before passing this on to debt collectors. This smells of a possible scam. You should make a formal written complaint to BG and if you get an unsatisfactory response or hear nothing for eight weeks, you can refer the complaint to the Ombudsman Service for Energy.

If you do hear from a debt collection agency, make sure you advise them, in writing, if necessary, that the debt is disputed.

Cardew

Agree with the above; and emphasise WRITE don't phone!

slightlyconfused1

I had a similar issue with npower. They mucked up my direct debit and then threatened court action before the direct debit should have been due.

Print off any emails re switch and again all correspondence should be in writing. Emails with a read receipt or letters that have to be signed for are proof of receipt. The ombudsman won't investigate until you have exhausted British gas complaints procedure.

Ask British Gas for a detailed breakdown of the monies owed with dates and a full statement of your account and useage.

Good luck.

Kite86

Thanks everyone - I will write to them and ask for a full statement

Consumerist

Kite86 wrote: »

Thanks everyone - I will write to them and ask for a full statement

Head the letter in bold with the word COMPLAINT. Let there be no doubt that you are complaining rather than enquiring..

Send the letter by Recorded Delivery post. Let there be no doubt that you mean business.

Good luck.