Ethical dilemma: Energy supplier estimated start reading higher than it is.

ordnancesurvey84

I have recently started a new tenancy and have received my first energy bill.


Looking at the bill, the gas provider seems to be using an estimated value for the "start reading" of around 4000 cubic metres, when in actual fact the reading is nearer 3800 cubic metres.


I assume this has occured because the previous tenants have not issued the energy provider with a final reading when their tenancy ended, so an estimated value seems to have been used. I never provided a start reading when I began the tenancy as I couldn't locate the gas meter - and have only recently found it.


Does this mean that the previous tenants have unwittingly paid for gas that they have not actually used?


If so, do I have a duty to inform the energy company of the true reading? Would the energy company then reimburse the former tenants?


Or should I just keep quiet about this and enjoy all this pre-paid gas?

Sinhanada

It will come to light when you have a meter reading - my advice is call them and give them the correct figures now

Nada666

that is not a dilemma - just a decision

naedanger

ordnancesurvey84 wrote: »

I have recently started a new tenancy and have received my first energy bill.


Looking at the bill, the gas provider seems to be using an estimated value for the "start reading" of around 4000 cubic metres, when in actual fact the reading is nearer 3800 cubic metres.


I assume this has occured because the previous tenants have not issued the energy provider with a final reading when their tenancy ended, so an estimated value seems to have been used.

That seems the most likely reason.

I never provided a start reading when I began the tenancy as I couldn't locate the gas meter - and have only recently found it.


Does this mean that the previous tenants have unwittingly paid for gas that they have not actually used?

If the start readings are not altered then yes, assuming the tenant pays their final bill in full. The end reading and following start reading will need to be the same.

If so, do I have a duty to inform the energy company of the true reading?

Morally yes in my view, legally I suspect you may have such an obligation now that you have read the meter.

Would the energy company then reimburse the former tenants?

Assuming the tenant had already paid based on the higher reading then I think the company should obviously return the money (assuming they reasonably can i.e. assuming they can find the tenant fairly easily). In practice I think some suppliers are not returning account holders' money unless they request it. This seems totally wrong to me (if it is happening). In your example the tenant would be unlikely to know to ask.

Or should I just keep quiet about this and enjoy all this pre-paid gas?

This is a bit like asking if you found £100 in the street should you hand it in.