British Gas not sending paper bill - can't pay without it!

ChrisJJ

When Ebico closed I was shunted over to British Gas and decided to stay with them for the moment as they were matching Ebico's tariff.  The first bill was generated and it became clear they weren't sending a paper bill - naively I had assumed that as I was on paper billing with Ebico, this would carry over. I requested a paper bill online. When it came it was a copy (it had 'COPY' stamped all over it making it difficult to read) and therefore had no payment slip attached. I called BG and when eventually they answered I explained that I needed a paper copy so I could pay it and was told that one would be sent. When it arrived it was another copy and no payment slip. Called BG again and was told a bill would be sent and this time it would have a payment slip. That was on the 17th and now I've received two texts urging me to pay before charges are applied to my account! The bill has still not arrived!
I'm getting worried now, the last thing I can afford it extra charges on top of what is already quite a hefty bill. Can anyone advise me what to do if the bill doesn't arrive soon and I'm hit with charges?  I have tried several more times to call but after painstakingly choosing all the correct options I'm cut off. Also tried the online chat but again - no-one responds! No email address that I can find, just a postal address.
I need paper bills as I find it much easier for many reasons. I find it easier to read and understand text that isn't on a computer screen, plus I use an electronic magnifier. 

Thank you!

niktheguru

Why not use their automated payment line to give your bank details and pay: 0333 202 9524

The details on how to pay are here: https://www.britishgas.co.uk/help-and-support/bills-and-payments/paying-your-energy-bill

You could alternatively pay online using their online account. If you are tech savvy enough to use this forum, you will have enough competence to pay online, its very easy.

There are the ways you can pay.

Yes they should have sent you a payment slip and you can still try and chase this, but for ease and speed it may be better to just call or do it online (or get someone to help you if possible)

macman

You don't need a payslip, you just need to know the amount and the account number.

ChrisJJ

Thank you, yes, this time I will have to pay in another way. For my own reasons, I've always preferred to pay with cash at a post office. It's also much easier for me to read paper bills, so when wanting to track my usage, etc, I refer to the last couple of years bills. Yesterday I requested a call back from British Gas and was pleasantly surprised to actually get said call back today! The woman assured me that in future I will receive bills via post and will be able to pay in my preferred way in the future.

Thank you.

niktheguru

ChrisJJ said:

Thank you, yes, this time I will have to pay in another way. For my own reasons, I've always preferred to pay with cash at a post office. It's also much easier for me to read paper bills, so when wanting to track my usage, etc, I refer to the last couple of years bills. Yesterday I requested a call back from British Gas and was pleasantly surprised to actually get said call back today! The woman assured me that in future I will receive bills via post and will be able to pay in my preferred way in the future.

Thank you.

you could always just print the online pdf bills, they are exactly the same as the paper bills sent out.

McKneff

Don't you pay more for paper bills, last I heard it was a fiver or so per bill, could be more now

Gerry1

McKneff said:

Don't you pay more for paper bills, last I heard it was a fiver or so per bill, could be more now

Nope, it's free.

macman

Maybe, but refusing to pay by DD means that you are screened out from many of the most competitive tariffs. It's that, rather than wanting a paper copy of the bill, that is important.