Smart meter

saddergran

My gas smart meter was fitted 12 months ago and failed to read any usage. I informed the supplier that I thought it was faulty but they replied that it was sending readings correctly.They have now requested a new meter and told me I will be billed from historic readings. I have installed a log burner for winter heating and was abroad in February and March so my usage will be way down on the previous year. What are my rights in this situation.

Flt._Lt._Biggles

saddergran wrote: »

My gas smart meter was fitted 12 months ago and failed to read any usage. I informed the supplier that I thought it was faulty but they replied that it was sending readings correctly.They have now requested a new meter and told me I will be billed from historic readings. I have installed a log burner for winter heating and was abroad in February and March so my usage will be way down on the previous year. What are my rights in this situation.

You could make a complaint for the poor customer service you received in that the supplier assuired you they were receiving meter readings, when it seems they were not.

You will now be billed based on an estimated usage.
Usually that is historical, as you have been advised.
You have the right to make representations about that given the circumstances you describe - they will probably need some evidence to support the claims.

It may be the supplier can already see there is an issue based on the previous 12 months to the previous 12 months mentioned (i.e.looking at usage over the past 24 months). Or perhaps they will agree to base it on future months usage.

Not sure why you allowe this matter to continue for so long as if the supplier had said they were receiving readings, where were the regualr bills/statements with these readings the supploier claims they had received.
And if you were unabble to verify them, then there was indeed something wrong with the meter that needed attending to.

saddergran

I spend enough time trying to contact suppliers sitting on a phone until they deem to answer. I pointed out my suspicions and the supplier at that time had 4. Months readings to see there was an error but assured me there was not. I was not willing to waste more of my time. I am now expected to waste my time arranging a meter change because they can’t be arsed to phone me although I will answer in 10 seconds, not make them wait half hour after choosing several options.

Flt._Lt._Biggles

saddergran wrote: »

I spend enough time trying to contact suppliers sitting on a phone until they deem to answer. I pointed out my suspicions and the supplier at that time had 4. Months readings to see there was an error but assured me there was not. I was not willing to waste more of my time. I am now expected to waste my time arranging a meter change because they can’t be arsed to phone me although I will answer in 10 seconds, not make them wait half hour after choosing several options.

I agree. No more wasting of anyone's time, I say!