Haven't had electric bill for 14 months!

RichPyke

Hi,

I switched to nPower October 2012 for my gas and electric. Provided them with the meter readings etc. as normal but here's the problem...

I am unable to provide the electricity meter readings at all, there is no record of the first one I provided to them online so I've gone 14 months or so without paying an electric bill or being able to give readings.

I have been constantly in touch with them through their online messaging system and they have written to me a few times stating that they are looking in to it still.

I know eventually I will get a huge electric bill come through for all of the electric I have used since I switched. I read somewhere that, provided I keep on at them that they can't charge me for more than 12 months of electric and they have to give me the same period of time to pay it back, is that true?

Also, they haven't taken readings, so they don't know what the meter read 12 months ago. I do, I have readings, but will those count? Or will it be pro rata based on the amount used since the first reading was given (or the last reading I gave to EDF my old supplier)?

What should I do? I like the free electric and to be honest, if the above is correct I'm on a great deal at the moment so there's no point switching now I'm out of the fixed price deal, until they eventually do sort it.

Any advice, info etc. would be appreciated.

newbutold

It really isn't a free deal though, as you will be billed eventually for your Electricity usage. I hope you have been putting aside money each month for the electric otherwise it will be painful when the bill eventually arrives!

You are correct though, they can only back bill for 12 months.

Electric back billing

[Deleted User]

So why cant you , as you are obliged to, provide an electric meter reading ?. Most terms and conditions make it clear that at least 2 a year are needed, therefore the backbilling rule wont apply. Suppliers only have to read the meter once in 2 years to fulfill OFGEMs rule.You seem to have provided the first one OK

RichPyke

I know it's not really free but currently they are less than useful and now I'm at 14 months in to it I have had 2 months of free electric.

Yes, I overpay the gas side (although they keep reducing it and will credit it back as soon as it hits £500 credit again) and I have money set aside just in case too.

[Deleted User]

You seem to have made a judgement already that you are on "free electric "now.So if thats the case, its in your interest s to just sit back and do nothing, As you have nt provided meter readings, apart from the first, which could have been deleted because it was incompatible with previous readings, I would nt be so sure you re on a winner. Why cant you take a few seconds and get meter readings. If YOU cant take the readings , how do you expect meter readers to get to the meter. As I say, suppliers are only obliged to read once every 2 years, you are obliged to provide at least two a year

RichPyke

You misunderstand me.

I have been with nPower for 14 months.
I have not paid an electric bill with nPower
They can only charge me for up to 12 months ago
I have had the first 2 months electric which they cannot charge me for
I have received those first 2 months electric for free

I do take meter readings. I have a full record of the meter readings taken weekly (for the most part). I also have an energy meter which connects to a PC and logs usage, through some simple maths and some programming it works out what my meter reading should be at that specific moment (it is slightly off due to the voltage not being constant) so in essence I have meter readings, albeit rough ones, for every minute of the last 2 years.

I am unable to provide these to nPower though. I have tried online but the meter doesn't exist. I have tried on the phone but the automated system doesn't let me. I have tried speaking to a human, I don't know how human it was but it certainly didn't convince me that they knew how to write down a meter reading.

Cornucopia

I'm in a similar situation with Scottish Power & my gas account.

I've complained to them, but on their systems they aren't my supplier.

Companies will only take & process meter readings for accounts that exist.

Since I complained when I first realised and they did nothing, I'm inclined to leave it. I don't have meter readings, anyway.

I should add that the meter is outside, so they could have read it whenever they wanted.

planenut

Keep the money aside, as you have already used somebody elses product. that way you will be prepared for that "bite on the bum".

Cornucopia

I was planning to ask for time to pay, when the time comes (which it probably will).

Does anyone know if the 12months thing applies to Gas?

edit: Yes it does.

http://www.energy-uk.org.uk/publication/finish/43/412.html

macman

Yes, back billing rule applies to both.

RichPyke

So to recap and make sure I am correct in everything I think.

I need to keep on at them to solve the problem.
Attempt to provide them meter readings at least twice a year.
Back billing means only 12 months can be billed provided I do the above.
I can ask for 12 months to pay it back if/when they finally sort it.

I may look at switching to another supplier or deal. I assume, say I switched to British Gas now and nPower take another 2 months to solve this, they can only charge me for the electricity I've used since April 2013. If they take 6 months then it would be August 2013 and if they take 12 months (or longer) then they can't charge me anything?