British Gas Verbal Agreement

helphelphelphelp

Since I moved into my new house in August I have been trying to set up an account with British Gas but it has been a nightmare and my original meter reading had been lost.

The complaints department have been involved to try and resolve this but the account of the previous owner was a business account and the complaints department work in residential.

To cut a very long story short, I spoke to BG business last week who agreed to cancel the bill (which was dated from May when I didnt even live there) and start in October from when they had a confirmed meter reading.

Today I had a new bill for over £600. I called BG business and they told me that despite there being records and transcripts confirming this bill would be scrapped, that they would not honour this agreement.

I have asked for a copy of all transcripts but will I have any chance of winning this if I take them to court to have this bill cancelled as agreed?

wealdroam

helphelphelphelp wrote: »

I have asked for a copy of all transcripts but will I have any chance of winning this if I take them to court to have this bill cancelled as agreed?

Yes you will.

helphelphelphelp

Thank you. So this offer is indeed legally binding by British Gas? Would I be best going to small claims or the Energy Ombusdman? Not quite sure how I should proceed as as it stands, I supposedly owe £597 (although the amount is in dispute as they have now said they will work out an estimated bill which I dont agree with), yet they have agreed to 'give me' £597 to clear the bill. I also have confirmation from the complaints department at British Gas Residential who also spoke to Business who confirmed this offer which has been recorded in my notes, but today the business department told residential they wouldnt be honoring it.

All I wanted 4 months ago was to give my meter reading and set up an account. 4 months on it is still on going and offers made have been reneged upon. Should have been so easy.

wealdroam

Once you have all the evidence of who said what, you are able to go to the next stage.

The Energy Ombudsman can only be involved after your attempt to resolve with BG has failed.

The Energy Ombudsman Service says:

If you receive the company’s final position on the complaint (deadlock) and you remain unhappy, or eight weeks pass and the complaint remains unresolved, we may be able to help.

It costs you nothing to use the Ombudsman, and if you do not like their decision then you can still go to court if need be.

helphelphelphelp

Brilliant. Thank you. We have reached the 42 day limit so I am now at a stage where apparently I can go to the Energy Ombudsman but wanted to wait until I have all the records to back up my claim.

Thanks again. Really helpful.

wealdroam

Read that page I linked to earlier... there's lots of good stuff in there.

helphelphelphelp

Having a quick read, the bits that stick out are the references to the laws involved in the case, and also contractural agreement. I am thinking that their offer would be classed as a contractural agreement so fingers crossed it will be looked upon favourably towards me.