British Gas direct debit increase

shoperholicnot

I have been paying British Gas £53 a month by Direct Debit for electric only, On the 22nd they sent me an email, which I only read today, advising me that my DD would be increasing from Feb to ....£1000 a month!
I nearly died.
Went to check my account and my last reading in sept was estimated at around 305788 (estimated ) and expected that December would also estimated and a mistake.
I was shocked to see that they have put my new reading as 505790 approx and that they have listed it as read by meter reader...
NO-ONE has been to read my meter at all!
I cant believe it. I tried to call them today but they are closed.
What do people think is going on here and should I make a formal complaint?
My actual reading is actually far less than the September estimate.

System

Have you been providing BG with actual meter readings? Clearly, something is amiss. I would ring them tomorrow with an actual meter reading. Most suppliers will then issue an amended bill and base any DD changes on that bill.

It is worth remembering that BG has an OFGEM derogation that permits them to delay meter readings for up to 5 years.

Cardew

pointless starting two threads:


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5386008

shoperholicnot

Hengus wrote: »

Have you been providing BG with actual meter readings? Clearly, something is amiss. I would ring them tomorrow with an actual meter reading. Most suppliers will then issue an amended bill and base any DD changes on that bill.

It is worth remembering that BG has an OFGEM derogation that permits them to delay meter readings for up to 5 years.

Thanks
I must admit have not provided hem with a reading for about a year, but the estimates are usually pretty close, I will call them tomorrow and see whats gone on. Thanks for your help.

[Deleted User]

Electric reads for domestics are always 5 digits only. Never include the tenths of a unit. Your reads should only be 30578. You will be confusing the auto billing systems

shoperholicnot

Cardew wrote: »

pointless starting two threads:


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5386008

The reason I started 2 threads was because I posted and then realised it was probably in the wrong place but thanks.

Cardew

shoperholicnot wrote: »

The reason I started 2 threads was because I posted and then realised it was probably in the wrong place but thanks.

No problem, but did you know you can go back to the original thread and delete the post?

shoperholicnot

Cardew wrote: »

No problem, but did you know you can go back to the original thread and delete the post?

no I didn't will do that thanks

shoperholicnot

well, I just called BG woman on the phone kept skirting round the fact that it says meter reading taken by meter reader on my account and at first tried to say I had provided the reading. :mad:

She has no answer for it and could only say 'I don't know'

Turns out I am over £600 in credit :j but cant give me a refund as I have a DD due out in the next couple of days and apparently I can only have £400 manager has to authorise more than that?

Robin9

When you've got the £400 ring again and ask for the balance.

SwanJon

Robin9 wrote: »

When you've got the £400 ring again and ask for the balance.

Or do it online, where you can manage the direct debit amount (even down to different amounts each month).