British Gas replaced meter due to smell of gas, am I liable to pay for this?

AngryEnergyUser

During the regular service by British Gas at my Mum's home a smell of gas was discovered by the meter. They replaced the meter and my Mum thought that was the end of it. A few months on now, she has received a letter from British Gas to say they are passing on her details to a debt collector if they do not receive payment within 7 days. The letter specifies an amount but not what this is for. She pays her service agreement by direct debit and all payments have been made. British Gas are not her energy supplier so the only thing we can think of is that she is being charged for the replacement of the gas meter (despite no mention at the time that there would be a cost and no bills being received). She has spoken to British Gas and they are checking into this for her.

Is she liable for the cost of replacing the meter if it was replaced as the result of a leak?

Owain_Moneysaver

I don't think so. The meter is the supplier's responsibility and they should have been called out to replace it if necessary. The customer would only be charged if the meter was vandalised or put out of action intentionally. 
Can you clarify whether the meter was replaced by
- British Gas Homecare (boiler servicing people)
- National Grid / Transco (gas emergency) 
or although they are not the supplier
- British Gas (gas supplier)

AngryEnergyUser

Not 100% certain but I believe it was British Gas Homecare.