Advice on gas bill

Mrbowie

t0rt0ise said:

Looks like it's a catch-up bill because all previous readings were estimated.

Yes a lot were estimated BUT I rang up in the summer with a true meter reading, we were billed for about £350 ish ( sorry havnt time to dig out the bills) and duly paid it. So my point is we paid a bill from a meter reading 5 or 6 months ago so how has BG  come to the conclusion that £1595.00 is now owed? This is what we can't understand. 

TheElectricCow

Mrbowie said:

Also take into account we paid £300 ish earlier when we took a meter reading and sent it in.

What was the last actual reading provided to British Gas before this bill?

There appears to be at least 1800 units of actual usage on this bill alone, so it’s most likely that either something is/was still consuming a significant amount of gas in the property or that one set of the readings was incorrect (either the previous one too low or the recent one too high).

Mrbowie

HampshireH said:

Definitely looks like a catch up bill. Prior to 20th December when was the last actual reading given.

You would need to go back through the bills to find it. Perhaps easier if you register the account via their app to see them all unless they are all to hand

Hi off the top of my head it was around summer that we gave them an actual reading, which we thought would have brought the bill upto date? 
We have done exactly the same with eon who have been fantastic regarding his electric bills and they are sending him a cheque for the amount we've overpaid. This is why we can't understand the amount BG want.

markin

Its very possible they simply ignored the reading you gave them in the summer.

TheElectricCow

Mrbowie said:

t0rt0ise said:

Looks like it's a catch-up bill because all previous readings were estimated.

Yes a lot were estimated BUT I rang up in the summer with a true meter reading, we were billed for about £350 ish ( sorry havnt time to dig out the bills) and duly paid it. So my point is we paid a bill from a meter reading 5 or 6 months ago so how has BG  come to the conclusion that £1595.00 is now owed? This is what we can't understand. 

It may help you greatly if you try to stop thinking in terms of pounds and look at the bills in terms of the actual units - the monetary value of the units isn’t relevant until after you establish the total consumption being billed for.

As readings haven’t been provided regularly you will need to look back at any previous bills until you know what the last reading you provided was. Subtract this number from the current reading and that will give you exactly how many units BG have billed you for since you the last reading. 

Only then can you be to try to determine if this is genuine usage or a potential reading/billing error.

Mrbowie

I'm guessing there's been a mistake somewhere, I do find it hard trying to communicate with some of the call centre people accent wise.
So maybe that's the error.
I can't get the bills at the moment as my hubby is in bed. But will look at the weekend.
I also need to have my hubby nearby when I ring them as he's submitted his proof that he can speak on his father's behalf. 

Mrbowie

markin said:

Its very possible they simply ignored the reading you gave them in the summer.

That wouldn't surprise me!

Mrbowie

TheElectricCow said:

Mrbowie said:

Also take into account we paid £300 ish earlier when we took a meter reading and sent it in.

What was the last actual reading provided to British Gas before this bill?

There appears to be at least 1800 units of actual usage on this bill alone, so it’s most likely that either something is/was still consuming a significant amount of gas in the property or that one set of the readings was incorrect (either the previous one too low or the recent one too high).

Hi the house has been empty for 12 months so I don't know how, more likely a wrong reading

MultiFuelBurner

On the face of it it does look like that is the amount owed but as others have said when you advised of the actual reading previously check that bill.

amanda1024

It looks like the bill is now based on actual usage, but that usage is potentially quite high - I realise the house has been empty but is it possible the gas fire or cooker has been left on by mistake? Or is it possible there’s a gas leak? If there’s nothing using the gas but the meter numbers keep going up that suggests either a leak or a problem with the meter.