Water Meter removed - where do I stand regarding billing

beefturnmail

About 3 months ago my water meter was removed without my (or seemingly Thames Water's) knowledge. I only discovered this when I went to check the meter on receiving my 6 monthly bill (based on an estimate), and discovered it was no longer there - (my next door neighbour's appears to have been removed too)

I rang Thames Water and they didn't know anything about it but have now fitted a new meter.

However,this leaves a period from last October (when the last reading was taken) to now when I was effectively without a meter. Thames Water are saying that this is OK as they only have to take a reading every 2 years and they can base on estimates, but I know the estimate they have applied is too high, based on the last full year's usage

So where do I stand? - can I insist they accept my estimate, or that I be charged based on assessed charges for the period since October?

t0rt0ise

You should negotiate with them, in writing. Suggest a reading that you think reasonable. You ought to be able to come to some agreement. If you can't then there's always OFWAT.