Do I have to pay for unknown gas use?

in Energy
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sianny78sianny78 Forumite
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Almost 4 months after raising it with them, and 6 months after it stopped working, British Gas have *finally* made an appointment to have my gas smart meter replaced as it stopped working back in mid-October. So, during that time, they have not been receiving any readings and therefore have no idea how much gas I've been using. Apparently, I will get a call a few weeks after they have replaced my meter to inform me how they will 'work out' how much gas usage they're going to charge me for from this winter. My question is, can they actually charge me for something they cannot prove I have used? If, for example, they used my usage from last winter as a benchmark, that's unfair as most people have likely reduced their usage this year because of fuel prices.

Replies

  • MsttyMstty Forumite
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    You can't say most people have likely reduced their usage. What did you actually do this winter to save energy in specific terms.

    Did you reduce the thermostat temps
    Reduce the time you were hearing your home
    Reduce the flow temp?
    Stop heating unused rooms

    All things you should know for when you discuss the estimate usage bill with your supplier.
    Energy Provider Eon Next v18 2 year fixed ends April 2024 
    Energy Used Electricity only. Hoping to get down to 6000 kWh a year. 2022 worked out at 6234 kWh a year in a 4/5 bedroom detached house EPC high B. Designed not retro-fitted ASHP Mitsubishi Ecodan, under floor heating ground floor, radiators 1st floor. Multi-fuel burner in lounge.

    Dyslexia sufferer don't be too harsh if I get things a bit topsy turdy.
  • elsienelsien Forumite
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    Short answer yes. You’re not going to get months worth of gas free.
    Long answer as above - check what usage they come up with them have the debate if you need to. 
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
  • ZandoniZandoni Forumite
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    I'm using 20% less gas than last year, so I'd say thats a good figure to aim for.
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