British Gas threaten disconnection-help

RachelD

I have electricity only from BG- I don't have any gas. On Jan 31 I had a new meter fitted. It was not at my request. I assume it was just due for replacement.
I telephoned to give the readings from the old meter and the new meter number. I was told I had to wait a month for the same details to come from the installer. In Mar I hada bill for £310. , based on estimated readings and on the old meter. I made several more phone calls- spending a whole day on the phone. I was persuaded that my total amount owing from my old and new meter readings was more than the £310 and should pay that anyway and they'd get a revised bill out to me. No sign of it. In May I had another bill for £289 and yes- it was tsill based on the old meter and more estimated readings.

I could tear my hair out over BG's shortcomings but I wrote a detailed letter to their complaints dept giving all the details for the umpteenth time and refused to pay the bill as it was based on false data- that was 27 May. I have heard nothing in reply but this morning got a letter threatening disconnection.

This worries me, as it was no doubt meant to- I am disabled and due to go into hospital shortly. I tied ringing BG but I either get cut off after waiting 5 mins or get a message saying - 'Ring back later['.

Is there any way of getting through to someone in BG who knows what they are talking about or what other action should I take? Can I switch now with the threat of disconnection. One switch compay gives BG Click as my best account to switch to. Help

plattinum

First of all I really do sympathise with you. I had terrible trouble with British Gas a fair few years ago. they claimed I owed them over £100, and just knew I didn't. I spent a fortune on phone calls and photocopying letters and bills It went on for 2 years. I eventually got in touch with the Gas Consumers Council I think it was called, and they helped me get it sorted. You can also get in touch with Energywatch. There was a programme this morning on BBC1 about a lady having trouble with British Gas her probs went on for over 2 years also. try the companies I'v mentioned and you may make tracks faster. Lots of luck

tripled

They need the date the meter was removed, the reading when the old meter was removed, the reading when the new meter was fitted and the new meter serial number. If you call these details through to the customer escalation team (used to be known as front line support), they can resolve it for you. I don't have the phone number to hand, but off the top of my head I think it is 0845 9555703.

BG wouldn't let you switch supplier if you have an outstanding debt, this needs to be resolved first.

loobs40

I don't believe anything British gas customer advisors tell me anymore. We have just got Energy Watch involved in our billing issue.

I though I was a reasonable person, but the muppets at british Gas are driving me to insanity