Final bill based on an estimate?

Shambler

Hi,

I moved out of a house in March and have only just been billed for elec+gas by my previous provider powergen, I changed provider when I moved.

The bill is based on an estimate and I am wondering if this is legitimate, surely a final bill should involve the meter readings taken at the time I left the property which they could obtain from my new provider?

It is so long ago I don't have the readings I took at the time so have no idea if I have been undercharged or more importantly over charged.

System

You should have provided the readings to your provider when you left. I have always provided readings, both incoming and outgoing, to the relevant providers when I have moved. At least that way I am sure that they have the readings.

espresso

Shambler wrote: »

Hi,

I moved out of a house in March and have only just been billed for elec+gas by my previous provider powergen, I changed provider when I moved.

The bill is based on an estimate and I am wondering if this is legitimate, surely a final bill should involve the meter readings taken at the time I left the property which they could obtain from my new provider?

It is so long ago I don't have the readings I took at the time so have no idea if I have been undercharged or more importantly over charged.

Of course it's legitimate if you could not be bothered to provide your supplier with actual reading when you left the property.

:rolleyes:

Shambler

espresso wrote: »

Of course it's legitimate if you could not be bothered to provide your supplier with actual reading when you left the property.

:rolleyes:

British gas told me I didn't need to contact the old supplier and that they would handle everything so it wasn't a case of not being bothered.

Unless a previous supplier has evidence of the meter readings I don't see how they can just charge what they think I might have used, took them 6 months to charge too.

Cardew

Shambler wrote: »

British gas told me I didn't need to contact the old supplier and that they would handle everything so it wasn't a case of not being bothered.

Unless a previous supplier has evidence of the meter readings I don't see how they can just charge what they think I might have used, took them 6 months to charge too.

British Gas would have assumed(quite reasonably) that you would have notified your old supplier of your meter readings and they(BG) would have accepted those readings.

How else, except with an estimated reading, can your previous supplier bill you if he has not got the actual readings?

Put it this way, what do you think is the solution?

Terrylw1

Hi,

You should really take readins when you move or change suplplier or you will always have potential problems because Suppliers don't take readings under your circumstances since de-regulation years ago.

Change Of Tenancy is estimated by the current supplier based on your account hence usage.

Change Of Supplier is more complicated. The Data Collectors (meter reading company) for your new supplier will estimate the reading based on their energy history for the property, not you like the above. This is to ensure that a smooth energy history is kept in the market. So, the new supplier then gets the estimate from them. In the mean time the Data Collector, tells the old collector who tells your old supplier.

Always take your reads every quarter and wheneer anything like this happens or expect estimates, problems etc. Do the same when they change your meters. Obey this rule and you always have your supplier against the wall if they mess anything up...