Looking for a gas supplier that can handle zero usage

JohnB1234567

We had our gas supply cut off years ago, but last summer they relined the pipes, and we arranged for the supply to be reconnected so they relined our pipe too (otherwise they'd have cut it off at the street, and reconnecting at a future date would have involved expensive trenching). So we got a capped meter installed. The problem is that EDF won't accept that we use no gas. They've sent 3 meter readers round, who's readings are rejected by the system, so we get nagging letters to submit our own readings, which also aren't accepted, because the system detects too little usage. Only a customer service rep can over-ride them, and I can't face having this conversation every few months forever.

Does anyone know of a supplier that will understand the situation, and just apply a standing change, and accept 0 usage readings. If we get the meter removed, it will cost £80, and I fear the pipeline company will cut off at the road again.

Gerry1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/search?adv=1&search=low+zero+gas+%22standing+charge%22&title=&cat=all&tags=&discussion_d=1&within=1+year&date=Today

JohnB1234567

I don't want a zero standing charge contract, because I can't see any supplier being happy to have me on their books for nothing. I've already read the recent ebico thread where they have introduced a £104 minimum annual charge. I am looking for a supplier who's IT systems don't reject 0 usage, and am prepared to pay a standing charge. Searches for "low zero gas" do not reveal anything recent and useful.

DawnCrush

Any gas supplier should be able to supply you.
e.g. I have personal experience of the following suppliers when we used zero gas:
Scottish Power
Eon
Robin Hood Energy
Ebico
British Gas
nPower
SSE

None of them had any issue, apart from 2. One had an issue with a meter reading of 00000, which was caused by another supplier previously deciding they wanted to change the meter as they were worried it may be faulty as it was not recording any usage. But both were soon sorted.
I'm sure EDF will be able to soon resolve any issue you may have, but if you don't want to spend your time complaining, then switch. As I say, I'm sure any other gas supplier will be able to serve you.

DawnCrush

JohnB1234567 said:

I don't want a zero standing charge contract, because I can't see any supplier being happy to have me on their books for nothing. I've already read the recent ebico thread where they have introduced a £104 minimum annual charge. I am looking for a supplier who's IT systems don't reject 0 usage, and am prepared to pay a standing charge. Searches for "low zero gas" do not reveal anything recent and useful.

If you are not worried about the cost, I can wholeheartedly recommend Ebico

ASavvyBuyer

Zog are ok with zero gas use between readings. From May till September we don't use any gas as our hot water is heated by solar power. They have never queried the zero difference between readings.

nottsphil

Why are you willing to pay for a product that you cannot physically receive? I presume you already had to pay for the capping. 

Streaky_Bacon

JohnB1234567 said:

The problem is that EDF won't accept that we use no gas. They've sent 3 meter readers round, who's readings are rejected by the system, so we get nagging letters to submit our own readings, which also aren't accepted, because the system detects too little usage. Only a customer service rep can over-ride them, and I can't face having this conversation every few months forever.

You could just bin the letters and/or write a 30 second complaint and then escalate it to the ombudsman. Might get a few quid.

Are the letters the only problem?

JohnB1234567 said:

I don't want a zero standing charge contract, because I can't see any supplier being happy to have me on their books for nothing.

Regardless of whether they are happy or not, they can't do much about it.

JohnB1234567

We plan to move, and selling a house without a gas supply will be unpopular if it requires a disruptive and expensive trench to be dug from the road. I have already taken one complaint to the ombundsman re EDF.

mito1

OFGEM sent out a request to the energy industry in Feb 2014 about the issue of Zero usage and whether it was actually “fair” to charge for this under their “Standard of Conduct ( SOC ) 
“ i) taking action to understand consumer needs – not just consumer ‘wants’. Consumer needs should be accounted for and reflect consumer preferences;

(ii) considering how best to meet these needs through their products, processes; and

(iii) making appropriate changes to their systems and processes to embed the SOC into all levels of their business.

The SOC does not impose restrictions on the level of charges for supply.

i have asked for clarification on the outcome of this request and will publish if they respond. We have adopted the rule that if there is no usage then the standing charge is illegal and advised the energy company to sue us if they felt otherwise. The dispute is still running...