Is it actually possible to be billed monthly by British Gas?

LJREvans

A while ago I cancelled my direct debit to British Gas and pay on receipt of the bill. However, I'm billed quarterly and I'd prefer to be billed monthly to better track my expenses on my spreadsheet. After seeing on the website that you can choose the frequency of your bill, I requested to be billed monthly on live chat and was told this isn't possible, in direct contradiction to their website. Is anyone here billed monthly by British Gas and if so, is there a specific way I need to request this?

kazwookie

LJREvans said:

A while ago I cancelled my direct debit to British Gas and pay on receipt of the bill. However, I'm billed quarterly and I'd prefer to be billed monthly to better track my expenses on my spreadsheet. After seeing on the website that you can choose the frequency of your bill, I requested to be billed monthly on live chat and was told this isn't possible, in direct contradiction to their website. Is anyone here billed monthly by British Gas and if so, is there a specific way I need to request this?

https://www.britishgas.co.uk/help-and-support/bills-and-payments/finding-the-best-way-to-pay

LJREvans

I quoted this (and another bit of their website I can't link here due to being new) and the LiveChat operator still said I can't be billed monthly. I'll try calling them on Monday but I'm not holding my breath!

Jyana

I had an issue with my BG account at the end of last month which when resolved meant my direct debit had to be reset up. They did so automatically for me, but made it a monthly variable one, so I know that they are still able to do them, but can't say if it's something they are phasing out or not. However, if it is advertised on the site, then I would expect it to still be something a customer can request. I find that I get the best/quickest responses from them on their Twitter, if that's any help.

peter_the_piper

I think the OP means he wants to be billed for the previous months usage so he knows what his actual costs are. I also want this so am interested in a way to get them to do this. 6 monthly bills are not helpful.

400ixl

They do a variable Direct Debit option where you pay for what you use.

I suspect this is different to a request to be billed monthly.

Spoonie_Turtle

Is there a reason you can't read your meters and work out the costs yourself?  (Genuine question, some people have meters in extremely awkward places, some people have dyscalculia, etc.)

[Deleted User]

Don't the rules only require billing once a year?

wild666

LJREvans said:

I quoted this (and another bit of their website I can't link here due to being new) and the LiveChat operator still said I can't be billed monthly. I'll try calling them on Monday but I'm not holding my breath!

You could copy and paste the info from the BG site just hold down the right button and scroll over the text then press the right button again and select copy then paste it into the reply box by pressing the right button again and select paste. then post the comment on here, job done!

pinkladyvenus

I have the opposite problem I was billed quarterly by British gas, and a dispute over a bill which resulted in me withholding payment until the correct one was sent. This resulted in them changing me to monthly payments "to help me budget better" I would like to return to quarterly billing but am been ignored.

alipops1986

I have just switched away from British Gas because they couldn't provide a monthly bill. 
Initially I was told I could have one with a variable direct debit, I agreed to that only to be told a few weeks later that they'd got it wrong and it wasn't possible. Only option was to not have a direct debit (So lose that discount) and then they'd provide a monthly bill. They then phoned back and said no, it couldn't be done due to my gas meter being a certain sort. 
Anyway, I lost the will to live and switched to Octopus - sensible fixed direct debit and a monthly bill. Finally!