GB Energy (strict terms)

ml262

Hi All,

I have been looking at moving energy supplier and one of the cheapest at the moment seems to be GB Energy.

I was on the verge of signing up when I happened to peruse their terms. They have a clause as follows:

"15.3 Unless your meter is a Prepayment Meter you are required to provide us with a meter reading each month at a specified time"

It seems phrased to make their customers fall into a breach of contract simply by demanding a meter reading when it might not be possible. (eg on holiday)

I'm sure they wouldn't do this but if they insisted I had to supply a reading on 1st of every month come hell or high water I'm leading myself into a trap if I'm not around on the 1st.

Anyone thinking of signing up it demonstrates why we should check the terms!
My question is has anyone experienced any such terms, or any draconian demands, from this supplier?
Has anyone from MSE seen this term from this supplier? It came top in Energy club comparison for me.

In fairness I have emailed the companies customer support to ask about this term, and asked about my circumstances. I haven't had a reply as yet but this could be due to the Christmas break. I wanted to put the url to the terms in but as I'm new at the moment I can't.

System

Good advice re ts and cs. I have just switched my electricity to GBEnergy and their emails re progress have been excellent. For example, they informed me about the first DD payment in the initial welcome e-mail, and sent me a reminder about it yesterday.

There is already an excellent feedback page on this Company which provides a lot of good advice. FWiW, here is a post about billing:

All well until first bill which was generated on estimated readings despite up to date readings being submitted as email requested. Emailed customer services, supplying fresh readings which showed that estimates overegged my usage. Within 48 hours, received email with clear explanation that bills are generated automatically on 9th of month. Asked to submit monthly meter readings on the 9th of the month or just prior so that the actual readings will be the ones used. Very good, I know where I am now. Although I agree with others that the website could be more active and interactive. But on the whole, considering what else is out there....

beardiedog

I presume that just means they're letting you know that they will estimate your bill each month if you don't supply a reading, not a real problem paying by monthly DD if you keep an eye on your usage periodically to make sure it doesn't go wide of the actual readings.

I'm poised to move to them. Just waiting to see what E.on's new tariff brings due to be released in a couple of weeks time before I make a decision.

ml262

beardiedog wrote: »

I presume that just means they're letting you know that they will estimate your bill each month if you don't supply a reading, not a real problem paying by monthly DD if you keep an eye on your usage periodically to make sure it doesn't go wide of the actual readings.

I'm poised to move to them. Just waiting to see what E.on's new tariff brings due to be released in a couple of weeks time before I make a decision.

I agree that it is probably the case to avoid estimates, but it seems such an absolute stipulation. It doesn't say to avoid estimates make sure you give us monthly readings. The cynical side of me thinks if they want rid of you as a customer its easy for them to say you have breached their terms if you ever missed a reading. I hope I'm wrong, but my work means I'm often away so I wanted to be sure.

System

ml262 wrote: »

I agree that it is probably the case to avoid estimates, but it seems such an absolute stipulation. It doesn't say to avoid estimates make sure you give us monthly readings. The cynical side of me thinks if they want rid of you as a customer its easy for them to say you have breached their terms if you ever missed a reading. I hope I'm wrong, but my work means I'm often away so I wanted to be sure.

What do you think will happen if you breach their ts and cs? I am on their standard/variable tariff for electricity so as far as I can see there is no default condition. Have a read of the GBEnergy feedback forum. Most people seem to be very happy with this supplier.

Nada666

What are 'your circumstances'? What is draconian?

What is the big problem? Are you likely to be away from t'interweb? If they want a reading, give them one (your estimate if away). If you don't want to, don't.

ml262

Hengus wrote: »

What do you think will happen if you breach their ts and cs? I am on their standard/variable tariff for electricity so as far as I can see there is no default condition. Have a read of the GBEnergy feedback forum. Most people seem to be very happy with this supplier.

My guess would be nothing if its a one off, but if their pricing depends on meter readings their patience may wear out after a while. The rationale for the query is that if they will happily estimate a bill why such an explicit term? I have looked at the business terms and I can't see anything similar.
Glad to hear customer satisfaction is good. I can only go with what current customers are saying (and happy that no one seems to have had any issue). I am only a prospective at this stage. Thanks

ml262

Nada666 wrote: »

What are 'your circumstances'? What is draconian?

What is the big problem? Are you likely to be away from t'interweb? If they want a reading, give them one (your estimate if away). If you don't want to, don't.

I work at sea, so yes unfortunately I do end up away from the net! It don't think it would be good if I am away for several months to estimate usage, and could perhaps cause me more problems even if I was in a position to do so. Sometimes limited access is available but with modern graphic intensive websites it can be worse than old dial up.

By draconian I was wondering if any existing customers, especially any who have missed a meter reading once or twice have any severe demands or requests from the company for a reading (or anything worse)

Thanks

[Deleted User]

I ve just waded through their T and Cs, for both domestic and business , and so far have`nt seen that clause requiring specific monthly readings. Its the same as all the other suppliers T and Cs, that is , no one takes much notice of them or reads them. My life would be much easier if they did so joe public would comply with one of the main T and Cs which states that meter readers should be allowed access to the meters at reasonable times.
OP, can you provide a link to this quite pushy request to provide monthly readings because I can t find it. Maybe its related to a specific monthly "smart energy " tariff which need a monthly read at a certain date. BG run the same sort of tariff.

dollydiva

I've already been a victim of this daftness.


It CLEARLY says on their email asking for Readings:-


"We will be producing a bill for you at the end of this month. Please provide us with up-to-date meter reading(s) before the end of the month so that we can use them to calculate your bill. If you have recently given us your reading please disregard this email."


Note that BEFORE the end of the month - so I supplied my Readings 2 days BEFORE the end of the month. I was surprised then to receive an Estimated Bill.


I emailed Customer Services to be met with what I can only describe as evasive replies to the simple question: "Why have you based my bill on an Estimated Reading when I supplied a Reading as requested?"


After MUCH badgering, and even more evasive and often obtuse answers, I finally received a Reply:-


"In order for your Actual Readings to be included in your Bill they have to be provided on the last date of each month. Any Readings provided on any other date would result in Estimations being created and used for your Bill."


When I yet again questioned WHY it says on the email to provide a Reading BEFORE the end of the month (and not ON the end of the month) I was given the old CS favourite brush off:-


"We do accept that the e-mail may come across vague. Therefore i will pass feedback on-to the relevant Team to see if the wording could be amended, and include the actual date that a Meter Reading would be needed."


Another bunch of amateurs...

dollydiva

beardiedog wrote: »

I presume that just means they're letting you know that they will estimate your bill each month if you don't supply a reading, not a real problem paying by monthly DD if you keep an eye on your usage periodically to make sure it doesn't go wide of the actual readings.

I'm poised to move to them. Just waiting to see what E.on's new tariff brings due to be released in a couple of weeks time before I make a decision.

You've presumed wrong and I DON'T recommend them one jot