potentially massive bill!!

Belfast_Col

Hi,

i moved into a property about 2 years ago and we havent had our meter read in about 18 months. I read it myself a while ago and I think I am in serious arrears! Like BIG ones!

The question is do British Gas negotiate??

Has anyone else negotiated successfully with them?

Thanks

HelzBelz

Have you told British Gas that they're not billing you, if so keep records of letters and/or when you've phoned them.

BG changed all their customer ref numbers (so we were told by their customer services) about the time 18 months ago, in this switch they managed to lose the entire road I live on and started billing the new build flat at the end of the road with the same number as our house for their Gas and Electricity and ours.

After us and owner of the flat telling BG constantly for 6 months and the flat owner getting his money back we change supplier about 9 months ago and have still heard nothing from BG. (we've got the money tucked away just incase they ever work out what they're doing)

So personally I'd change supplier and see what happens, at the very least it'll give BG the kick up the a*se they need so you don't get any further in arears, but they might just have lost you completely

Cardew

HelzBelz wrote: »

Have you told British Gas that they're not billing you,

The OP hasn't said they are not billing him; he has said they haven't checked the meter and he 'thinks' he is going to be in arrears.

To me that implies he has been paying them, but not enough as the bills have been estimated. If that were not the case, he wouldn't just 'think' he will be in arrears.

To the OP. If you have received bills with underestimated readings, you will be liable to pay when they 'catch up' with you. You have a responsibility(in the small print) to tell them if their readings are wrong.

You might get a small reduction if you plead your case.

tripled

It is highly unlikely you will get a reduction, but they will offer to spread the payments over 12 months for you if you can't afford it.

I'd recommend sorting this out sooner rather than later, as otherwise the arrears will continue to grow, and they will almost certainly be reading the meter in the next 6 months or so anyway, as they are obliged to read it every 2 years.