Renting problem with gas supply

art-vandelay

I recently moved flat and I'm having trouble switching my gas supplier. I tried to sign up with Bulb but they cannot find my meter in the national database so I am unable to switch over to them until this is resolved. I apparently need to find my MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number).

There are no bills with the MPRN on it.
The letting agency told me that they switched to Utilita when the previous tenants left. I phoned Utilita to get the number but they then told me that they are not supplying the gas to the property. They then told me British Gas are. So I phoned them and they too said they are not supplying the gas. Very strange. I later phoned the national grid giving them the serial number of the meter and they do not have a record of the meter on their database.

I then explained all this to my letting agency who said they have contacted Utilita and are still waiting for someone to look into the matter. They said Utilita have contacted Scottish Gas Network (this is in Edinburgh) who have told them the problem is not new and that the previous tenants didn't mention it! There doesn't seem to be much happening about this. Someone is supplying my gas but I don't know who. My guess is the previous tenants kept quiet about this and basically got free gas the entire time they were there, is that even possible?

I am just wondering where I stand legally here? I don't want to get a large bill through the post from Utilita or someone else. I'd like to switch to a supplier of my choosing so I know how much I am paying.

Bearing in mind this is in Scotland, what can I do about this situation? I feel like I've exhausted all avenues from my point of view. Can I refuse to pay should any gas bill come through the post? Thanks.

G_M

art-vandelay wrote: »

.. Can I refuse to pay should any gas bill come through the post? Thanks.

You are receiving gas, and you are using gas, so I think you know the answer. If you don't want a bill, stop using gas.


Beyond continuing to follow up with the network and suppliers, the only other action you could take is to raise it with the Regulator.

tacpot12

You are likely to get a bill at some point in the future, so I would start saving your money ready for when this bill arrives.

You should only have to pay for the gas you have actually used, so make sure you have a meter reading from the point you moved in. After that the only variable will be what tariff you are on, and given the difficulties you have had so far, I would expect that you could negotiate on the tariff if they want to charge you a high tariff. It's probably easier for them to bill you according to their standard tariff and give you some credit that will reduce the bill to

You can look up their suppliers standard tariff online and if you save an amount each month based on meter readings you take and the standard tariff any future bill will be affordable.

davidmcn

art-vandelay wrote: »

Can I refuse to pay should any gas bill come through the post?

You can refuse to pay for gas consumed before your tenancy started, if that's all you meant.

Otherwise this isn't really a landlord/tenant issue, you might be better asking on the utilities board.

pinkteapot

Have you tried the free national service listed in step 2 on this page? It says they can tell you your meter point reference number.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/household-gas-and-electricity-guide/connections-and-moving-home/who-my-gas-or-electricity-supplier

I should warn you, problems with the meter database seem to be a complete pain to sort out. I’m having trouble with our office gas supply as the info about our meter is wrong. We’re unable to switch away from British Gas because of it and I’ve been asking them to sort it since June.

art-vandelay

Thanks, yeah I've tried that tool before but unfortunately my address is not found when I search.

pinkteapot

Have you called them? They may know what you’re meant to do in this situation. Beyond that, try posting on the utilities board as suggested.

Is your flat purpose-built or in an old house that’s been converted into flats?

Owain_Moneysaver

art-vandelay wrote: »

Thanks, yeah I've tried that tool before but unfortunately my address is not found when I search.

Edinburgh flat numbering is known to cause problems for databases :-)

Almost certainly you are in the database, but under a different form of address.

If the serial number of the meter isn't recognised, perhaps the previous tenants, um, swapped it and forgot to put the old one back when they left?

FreeBear

Take a clear photo of the meter showing both the current reading and the meter number. Keep it somewhere safe (and make copies - email it to a few friends "just in case"). The image will be invaluable if/when there is a dispute over how much you owe.

Recently had a dispute over my gas meter whilst switching supplier - Sent the new supplier an image of the meter, and they managed to get the national database updated without any further input from myself.

baldelectrician

I have a client who has the same problem with her electric supply

She goes through this each year.
Call supplier 1 wishing to pay for gas and states she has not has a bill who say supplier 2 is their supplier

She then calls supplier 2 wishing to pay for gas and states she has not has a bill who say supplier 1 is their supplier

If it is the fault of the supplier they can only back date one year.

She records the telephone calls and even writes to them (recorded) to ensure she proves she has taken all reasonable steps.

It is not uncommon

dimbo61

I would still try and find who is supplying your gas and electric.
You could be on a very expensive tariff and get a huge bill after 8/9 months.
If you want a deal with a company you trust and can get a good tariff chase this up.