Am I getting free gas?

RicheeP

So 3 months ago I moved into a rental property - It was already equipped with pre-payment meters for Gas and Electricity, I decided to keep those and contacted the existing supplier.

They sent me an electric top-up account pretty quickly, no problem.

With the gas, they had to send out an engineer to install a new meter as the existing meter had some kind of issue and wasn't being picked up by the smart meter - That took a couple of visits to solve and the engineer told me the smart meter is currently in 'C' (credit) mode but this will change in the next 24 hours to pre-pay, then I'll be able to top it up.

However, 3 months down the line and the smart meter is still showing 'C' mode - Now here's the thing, I haven't signed up for a credit meter, no credit check was made, there is no contract in place. I have tried several times to 'reboot' the smart meter in case that would help it connect up.

I have been putting a few quid away every month, just in case this bites me in the rear, but on face value, it looks like I am not getting charged for gas - Is there anything the supplier can legally demand from me if this ever gets sorted?

I won't be contacting them, as far as I'm concerned this is their error - I don't intend to stay at the property much longer than the initial 6 months either - I'm wondering what legs they have to stand on or can I relax and enjoy 'free' heating this winter?

What would happen if nothing got solved or spotted before I move again?

Thank you...

Carrot007

A contract was formed as soon as you used any gas so forget that option.

What might happen. Depends on when it's found out and by whom. Roll the dice.

Also, back billing rules would not apply as you know you are using gas and have not told them. It is you responsibility too.

Curiousgirl1

It will depend on how your account is set up on your suppliers system  as to when & if they will contact you. 

If it is still set up as PAYG they will realise there is an issue at some point when there are no top ups & get in touch. If it’s set up as a credit meter, you’ll probably get a quarterly bill soon. 

Either way you’ll have to pay for the gas you’ve used. 

Just because you haven’t signed up for a credit meter doesn’t mean they can’t charge you for the gas. 

If you leave the property without paying anything they’ll just put a trace on you. 

savers_united

By using the gas you are in contract, whether you tell them now and get it sorted or ride it out is your call. But not paying knowing full well you have used the gas and not made any attempts to put it right, I would start putting the money aside. If not now, you may at some point get a knock on the door for an outstanding debt.. 

RicheeP

Just a little update on this and to debunk some of the above...

The supplier (E Energy) sent an engineer out yesterday, he couldn't solve it so another is due next week

Meanwhile the lady from E told me none of this is my fault, please continue to use the gas as normal, you won't be charged!

So there we have it, patience is a virtue, hopefully the free gas bonus will go towards paying for the massive price rise hike coming our way soon!

MWT

RicheeP said:

Meanwhile the lady from E told me none of this is my fault, please continue to use the gas as normal, you won't be charged!

I would be inclined to get that in writing just in case this one comes back to haunt you in a few months time, but if it works out then you have indeed been fortunate.

RicheeP

They ended up replacing both gas and electricity meters and the smart meter to fix the issue

Clean slate, no charges being applied for previous usage

Curiousgirl1

RicheeP said:

They ended up replacing both gas and electricity meters and the smart meter to fix the issue

Clean slate, no charges being applied for previous usage

Great result 

brewerdave

@RicheeP - I would echo the advice of MWT above. Get it all in writing, EON customer services are known to speak with forked tongues !!!