Gas Meter standing charge / I do not use gas!

[Deleted User]

shanouck wrote: »

I had my gas meter turned off as i know longer use it, this has been off for about 3 years now and all this time i have still been asked to put my meter reading in to British Gas, i have always used the same reading from last time it was used. Not once have i been charged i get a bill and have nothing to pay, At the weekend i logged on to my account and i have to pay £16.36p i could not find on the statement what this was cost was for so i contacted them, I recieved this reply from them -
I have had a good look at your account for you and see that historically and presently you do not use any gas. British Gas along with other suppliers has under the Retail Market Review changed the way we bill our customers. All suppliers must bill customers in the same format and part of this change a daily standing charge was introduced.
The bill shows since the introduction of the standing charge on the 22nd November you have been charged.
You may choose to have your meter removed if you have no use for gas at your property this can be done.
This as you can imagine since the change in charges, has been the topic of conversation, and to make sure you are aware after 6 months of the meter being disconnected, we have to advise the Network operator that there’s no gas being used. When this happens, there’s a chance of them cutting off the gas pipe to the house. This may in the future result in an additional charge by the distributors for reconnection. And then this was the second email from them -

I can understand your frustration at the new charges that have been introduced, all companies agreed to this change with Ofgem so that all customers can compare their prices on the same billing system. Does not make sense to me - (so customers can compare their prices on the same billing system) - how can i compare when i do not use any gas? Has any one else had this ? and what if anything is being done about it ? Because i do not think that its right at all when the meter has been off and not in use at all.

Think of how lucky you are to have mains gas on tap. Not a luxury us rural dwellers have.... Some folk are never happy.

Barry28

I too have had this problem with EON.. I am expected to pay £60 or something to remove the meter.. Although they take the standing charge from my Direct Debit, I am refunded, provided that I remember to keep applying for it every time I get a bill.. The people on the number given to remove the meter (transco?) fob me off with false details i.e. I am required to get the housing associations permission (not so).. 3 attempts so far.. Recording it this time and notifying EON (their agent) in writing of my intention to charge them £7 per week and to invoice them for the storage of their meter at my premises.