Blank gas meter Scottish Power

Aggie23

Hi,

I have owned a house for a number of years that a family member was living in. They have sadly passed away a couple of months ago. Therefore, I am in the process of getting all the utilities set up in my name.

The gas meter is not displaying any meter readings. It seems broken. Possibly, the battery has gone. According to my relatives next of kin. There had been an issue with the meter for a while that my now deceased cousin had been trying to resolve for months. Apparently, Scottish Power had been over estimating their usage.

The electric is on a pre-paid meter with a different company, so not dual fuel.

I emailed Scottish Power to inform them of my cousins passing and that the meter appears faulty, no readings. I asked them for a meter reading from when she passed. Also, an up to date one and to get the meter repaired or replaced. I said replacement with a pre paid one would be best as the property will be unoccupied for a while.

They emailed me back asking me for a meter reading, from when she'd passed and who is responsible for the property. All information that I gave them in my original email. I told them no readings and I was the owner and now responsible for bills.

Does anyone know where I stand with this?
I feel like I am getting nowhere. I don't want estimated bills because usage will be minimal and if I can't get readings, and they are asking me for them. How will I know if they overcharge me? Like my cousin was. 

I doubt I will be able to change provider, until I get meter readings, as a new provider will ask for them.

Scottish Power don't seem to be getting their finger our to arrange a fix or replacement of the meter. They just want to estimate bills. 

Does anyone know where I stand with this? Are SP obliged to fix or replace the meter? Do I have to accept estimated bills? All I want is to pay for gas actually used.

CSI_Yorkshire

Aggie23 said:

 Are SP obliged to fix or replace the meter? 

Yes, eventually.  It won't be quick though.

Aggie23 said:

Do I have to accept estimated bills? 

Well they can't produce accurate bills, but you can't just not pay.  You can challenge the estimations if you have evidence (which is usually either the last accurate usage or an agreement to track future accurate usage).

Formal complaints process likely needed for this one.

imeach

Unfortunately Scottish Power are probably the worst for replacing blank screen meters.

Are you sure it is faulty?

Sometimes a button needs to be pressed to wake the meter?

Can you post a pic of the meter or let us know the make and model