Scottish Power been charging me 2 rate meter charges

Jennywrens

Just been on the phone to Scottish Power, and have been informed that I am being charged for a 2 rate meter (for storage heaters), (economy 7 also), even though we have gas central heating, and that is all the gas is used for.


Do I have a case for being overcharged since 2011?


J

molerat

They have not been overcharging you, the supplier will charge according to the type of meter that is installed and they get that information from the national database. They are not aware, nor do they care, what type of heating you have. It is up to you to select the correct tariff for your needs They may or may not be able to use a dual rate meter to charge single rate, you need to ask. They may charge a fee if the meter has to be changed.

matelodave

Haven't you been reading your bills since 2011 to see what tariff you are on.
As Molerat says, it's up to you to request what tariff you want and to get the meter changed if the one you've got doesn't suit. They neither know nor care what sort of heating system you've got or how you use your energy - that's down to you.

Cardew

Firstly Scottish Power will only supply a Economy 7 tariff if you have an economy 7 meter. They do not add together off peak and peak consumption and charge a single rate, like some other companies(e.g BG and EON)


I am with Scottish Power on Economy 7 even though I have Gas CH.I use approx 25% on cheap rate and that is marginally advantageous for me on my tariff.


If you have oil or LPG CH it can be cheaper to use an immersion heater on off-peak for hot water.


As said above you haven't been overcharged, and could possibly have been better off on E7. Also your bills would have shown you were on Economy 7.


So IMO you have no case; Caveat emptor!

Jennywrens

matelodave wrote: »

Haven't you been reading your bills since 2011 to see what tariff you are on.
As Molerat says, it's up to you to request what tariff you want and to get the meter changed if the one you've got doesn't suit. They neither know nor care what sort of heating system you've got or how you use your energy - that's down to you.

Hi
Yes I read all my bills - when I changed over, I just assumed that I was on the correct rate - I had no idea about 1 rate, 2 rate and 3 rate until today when I spoke to them.
Had they asked me to identify what rate applied to me then I would not be in this situation.
Anyway, I am switching, and having a credit meter installed. Thanks anyway.

molerat

Are you on a pre-pay meter ? If so they will probably install a 2 rate meter, the system often requires a like for like replacement when going pre-pay to credit as the people replacing the meter are not your suppliers. The whole energy supply system in the UK is broken so you need to keep on top of what is going on.