Received Final Bill for a Prepayment Meter

smallbutfaraway

I've left British Gas after many years on pre-payment meters for gas and electric. This was due to building up a debt with them which I wasn't paying when I should have been. Before I switched I rang to check if there was any debt on the account, I was told that there wasn't, and so I was free to switch to another provider.

One month after switching, I've received bills from BG for both gas and electric accounts for a total of around £160, which has to be paid in 7 days.

I simply don't understand how BG can claim I used more gas and electric than I paid for on pre-payment meters. Both bills show I was in credit at the start of each account's billing period, and yet they've managed to concoct more usage than I supposedly paid for. Surely it's not possible on a pre-payment meter because you pay in advance for what you use, and when the meter runs out of credit, your supply shuts off!

Both bills only have an estimated meter reading, which is where I suspect the issue lies. I never took readings myself because it never occurred to me that I would have a final bill to pay on a pre-payment meter.

Also, the electric bill misses one month's energy voucher payment c redit, and whilst it also lists meter payments, there are none listed for a several weeks between December and February. Both bills state "This is an estimation" on the front, which suggests it's not a proper 'final' bill and more of a fishing trip for BG.

I'm absolutely fuming, so want to calm down before ringing BG (and also not looking forward to using their labyrinthian phone system), but was just wondering if anyone had any advice on how to deal with this.

Ectophile

Make sure your first contact with them is to make a formal complaint.  That way they have to deal with it.  Talking to customer service people over incorrect bills can be a total waste of time.

It also starts the clock on when you can go to the energy ombudsman - 8 weeks from your complaint.

wild666

If they told you no debt was on the meters then definitely raise a complaint. You should be able to check the meters to see if there is any debt on the meters.