BT over estimated energy when moving in now want another reading

ghuznee

So I moved into a property and BT (edit: British Gas) overestimated the gas and electricity reading. I assume they over estimated the amount that the previous had to pay. Their bad luck.

I gave them a reading after living there for a month and a half and it's under what reading they had for the date when I moved in.

So I submitted the reading and just received an email saying they made an error and now they want another reading a week later.

To that I am thinking, well it's their problem and they got paid too much by the previous tenant. Now they want another reading so they can give another estimate for when I moved in.

What are my rights here? Can I refuse and they have to wear it? They already got their payment from the previous tenant so it's not like I'm screwing them over. Their tough luck??

martin2345uk

BT? Do you mean British Gas?

Did you actually take a reading when you moved in, even if you didn't give it to them?

cajef

You should have submitted readings the day you moved in, that way you are only responsible for your usage otherwise you will get estimates based on the previous tenants usage, how do you know what or how much they paid?

ghuznee

Oops yes I meant British Gas. Yes I know I should have. But I didn't. I don't know what the previous tenants paid. I'm basing it on a logical assumption that the paid an estimate. After all why wouldn't they base the reading on the last bill they provided them?

mije1983

It's possible that the previous occupiers have disputed the usage which is why BG have come back to you for another reading. In that case BG may not have been paid anything at all at the moment.

As you have supplied a reading now, they may want another reading so they can estimate what your usage has been since you moved in, and can then recalculate the previous occupiers bill accordingly.

Regardless of any of that, you need to pay for what you have used.