Switching energy supplier - Gas Problems

WelshGlyndwr

I have switched from one energy supplier to another. The supplier I have switched from has given the wrong reading to my new supplier.

My reading for my Gas is 4451. However, they told my new supplier it was 5459.

My new supplier tells me they cannot charge me for what I use until my meter passess 4560. My new supplier will charge me my Gas standing charge. However, won't charge me for the gas I use until I pass. 4560.

Is this a moral dilemma?

They say they cannot do anything due to the 45 unit, OFGEM unit guarantee, is this right?

or will this cause me problems in the future?

MrJones1

I think that you should take this case further and contact the Energy Ombudsman. They might correct the problem.

System

Have a look at this link:

https://www.ovoenergy.com/ovo-answers/topics/meters-and-meter-readings/whats-a-meter-reading-dispute.html

I was in this position about 2 years ago. It took me over 3 months to reach the gas opening meter reading. I only paid standing charges until the opening meter was reached. The actual difference in cost was c.£2 which the gaining supplier agreed to compensate me for.

The important thing is that the opening and closing meter readings must be the same. The supplier that you switched from plays no part in the switching process: it is the responsibility of the gaining supplier who should have asked you for a meter reading for the day of transfer ( plus/minus 5 days). These readings go to an independent industry third party for verification. Once verified, the readings are passed back to both suppliers to open/close your accounts. If either supplier disagrees with the readings - out with the limits above - an Agreed Readings Dispute can be raised. This process can take up to 12 weeks.

I should add that the most likely reason for an incorrectly estimated meter reading is a lack of actual meter readings which are held by the Data Collectors. Up until Apr 16,suppliers only had to read your meter once every two years. I give my supplier an actual meter reading once every month to avoid the issue that I had a couple of years ago (caused by a much delayed switch and no request for a meter reading).

WelshGlyndwr

Hengus wrote: »

Have a look at this link:



I was in this position about 2 years ago. It took me over 3 months to reach the gas opening meter reading. I only paid standing charges until the opening meter was reached. The actual difference in cost was c.£2 which the gaining supplier agreed to compensate me for.

The important thing is that the opening and closing meter readings must be the same. The supplier that you switched plays no part in the switching process: it is the responsibility of the gaining supplier who should have asked you for a meter reading for the day of transfer ( plus/minus 5 days). These readings go to an independent industry third party for verification. Once verified, the readings are passed back to both suppliers to open/close your accounts. If either supplier disagrees with the readings - out with the limits above - an Agreed Readings Dispute can be raised. This process can take up to 12 weeks.

So in other words?

I don't owe them anything even though they got the gas meter reading wrong by 9 units? Their reading is 9 units higher than what I have.

and they cannot dispute it according to the link you sent me?

So in essence I will not pay anything until my unit passes the reading they they have?

WelshGlyndwr

As this link suggests

'The difference between the original reading and the new, estimated reading must be more than:

1200kWhs (39 units for imperial, 109 units for metric) for gas

250kWhs for electricity

If it’s lower than that, we can’t open a dispute.

If it’s higher, we’ll open a dispute.'

System

WelshGlyndwr wrote: »

So in other words?

I don't owe them anything even though they got the gas meter reading wrong by 9 units? Their reading is 9 units higher than what I have.

and they cannot dispute it according to the link you sent me?

So in essence I will not pay anything until my unit passes the reading they they have?

Correct, you will not pay for any units used until your meter passes the agreed opening/closing reading. You will only pay the daily standing charge.