British Gas Prepayment Meter

MissCJT

I've had a prepayment meter for gas for about 15 years. It was originally installed because I had run up a debt which was paid off quite quickly.

Since then every time I top up the card varying sums are taken off for “debt” even though there isn’t a debt any longer. I’ve brought up this matter with British Gas many times over the years and have been fobbed off in one way or another, I wrote to them too and got no response.

The final straw came when my boiler broke down so didn’t use any gas for a few months until the new boiler was installed. When I topped up several pounds were taken for “debt” so on the 4th April I called them again and was assured my case would be investigated and was given a reference number for my case. Today I called again to find out how the investigation was going and after spending over an hour being pushed around different departments in India and the UK I am told there is no record of any investigation. They have a record of my call as one representative let that slip.

I just don’t know where to turn now, British Gas are blatantly ignoring me and I’m probably owed hundreds of pounds!

Where do I turn next?

lstar337

Are your sure that the 'debt' that is being taken off is not just accumulated standing charge?

Nada666

Have you accounted for the standing charge of nearly two pounds per week? This still accumulates over summer and will be taken back once you start to top-up again.

Do you receive any annual statements?

MissCJT

I was told I didn't pay a standing charge prior to the latter part of 2013 and this debt has been taken since the meter was installed 15 years ago. I haven't received an annual statement!

Nada666

Does the debt show on the meter screens? There should be one with the total amount and one that tells how much is taken off each week.

footyguy

15 years?

Who pays a debt they know they don't owe for 15 years without challenging it?

:huh:

[Deleted User]

All prepays I see pay a standing charge, approx £1.30 a week. Virtually eveyone pays a standing charge. Standing charge debt will show ( I think ) on screen "A " whereas debt loaded onto the meter from a credit meter, will show on screen "S ".. viewable only if key inserted. There are two types of debt

MissCJT

Footguy: I have, many, many times. Calls, letters.

On the 4th April when I called again, I was given the reference number of the investigation into my case which when I called today for an update was told, doesn't exist.

footyguy

MissCJT wrote: »

Footguy: I have, many, many times. Calls, letters. ....

Well 10/10 for persisting for 15 years.

I'll let others decide whether or not they will award a similar score for your vercity.

You should have written to the ombudsman 14 years, 10 months ago. That boat has long since sailed for you though..

MissCJT

footyguy wrote: »

Well 10/10 for persisting for 15 years.

I'll let others decide whether or not they will award a similar score for your vercity.

You should have written to the ombudsman 14 years, 10 months ago. That boat has long since sailed for you though..

Why are you judging me? It doesn't change anything.

Yes, I could have called British Gas more, wrote to them a few more times than I already have. My situation remains the same, I was told my case would be investigated and was lied to, it isn't.

MissCJT

sacsquacco wrote: »

All prepays I see pay a standing charge, approx £1.30 a week. Virtually eveyone pays a standing charge. Standing charge debt will show ( I think ) on screen "A " whereas debt loaded onto the meter from a credit meter, will show on screen "S ".. viewable only if key inserted. There are two types of debt

I was told that I've only been paying the standing charge since Oct last year and there is a debt showing £2.70.