Advice on disputing gas bill

Penster

Before my flat was sold it was empty for 3 months yet I have received a bill for £148 for this period. The gas wasn't on yet more gas has been "used" than we - a family of four - used in 3 months. The electricity meter is equally way over the top (I'd left the stove clock on and the lights were used occasionally for viewings). The customer service advisors say robotically "unfortunately we can only go by the meter readings". The readings were given by the new owners. What can I do other than complain in a formal letter (done)? (I'm with Scottish Power both there and in my home in Lincolnshire, where I have no problems. Advice gratefully received.

Cardew

This situation happens many times.

Unless you gave your energy company the exact date of change of ownership, and exact meter readings on that date, you have little chance of getting a satisfactory outcome.

The energy company are correct, how can they dispute meter readings with the new owners unless you have given your readings?

You could get solicitors involved and it will cost you many times in fees what you will pay for energy you haven't used.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

it was really up to you to provide final meter readings.

Have the new owners made a mistake in reading the meters, or maybe just added 'a wee bit on' to give them a discount start to their energy bills.

matelodave

As staed above, it was up to you to read the gas water and leccy meters and to send those in to your provider to close the account when you handed over the keys/completed the sale.

Up to then you were responsible for all energgy and water used together with the daily standing charges.

IMO it's always unwise to delegate the reading of meters to others as you don't know if they are doing it correctly or as "frugal" says, getting themselves a bit ahead at your expense.

I'm afraid you'll just have to pay up unless you can get proof that the meter reading was incorrect and do it properly the next time

bengal-stripe

Look back over the old bills for your flat: were they based on actual readings (either by you or the utility company) or on estimates? If an under-estimate did occur over a long period and was not corrected by you, it would have added up and, with the initial reading of the new owners, did catch up with you.

For all you know, estate agents might have left heating and lights on for week on ends or someone might have used the empty flat to celebrate parties in there. Also the standing charge which, depending on your tariff can be quite high, would still be due.