Help Electric bill for £780 backdated to June 06

samf1971

Have been in the property since June 06, have asked British Gas (who supply our gas) do you supply our electricity - yes we bill you for both - I'm happily going along thinking I'm paying for both then today a bill lands on the doorstep for Electric only for £730.42 it goes back to the day after we moved in (ie 2nd June 2006) why have they suddenly just sent this bill, obviously contrary to our belief we've not been paying for both gas/electric and have just been paying gas. so we've got a whole 19 months worth of electric all in one go.

Can anyone help, can they really backdate it this long? I really can't pay this amount as we're on benefits as it is, will they make us pay the whole amount?

I just wanted to sound out before I have to ring them and discuss!

samf1971

From just looking around MSE I've noticed threads mentioning that bills can only be backdated 12 months? Would this apply to me. Moved in 1st June 06 and have now just had the bill which says on it that it is the First bill - billing summary 2nd June 06 to 26 November 07

destiny_star2006

I would blame them for the errror as its their fault and see what happens if it still cannot be resolved then offer them certian amount per week that you can afford and there not allowed to turn down an offer of payment i do belive!

Joyful

As from July this year if you have never been billed you can only be billed for 1 year. They will also give you a year to pay the amount.

Blue76

as confirmed by Joyful you can now only be back billed for 1 year due to rules brought in via the Energy Supply Ombudsman. Anything older than a year MUST be written off by your supplier

samf1971

Thanks everyone, I've called them and they put me through to the home-movers section to take my details etc. They've set up a fortnightly payment of £16 and they said that a new bill will be sent. I mentioned the year but they seemed to shuffle it under the carpet and said to call again when the new bill is sent as that one should be accurate

stimpo

Right, to clear this one up (again).

You cannot be billed for more than one years consumption, however you can be billed for it if bills have been sent by the supplier, whether delivered or not. If the supplier withdraws previous bills and that new bill covers more than 12 months this is also fine because the original bills have been produced.

To get around this the supplier has to issue a bill by the 364th day.

The supplier does not have to accept your offer of repayment, any debts must be repaid withing a one year period on a plan that covers both debt and consumption. Any extended repayment period is purely at the distretion of the advisor you speak to.

hpsaucey

if u r with british gas/scottish gas and are having trouble paying bills pls google BRITISH GAS ENERGY TRUST. it gives grants to people who are unable to pay large bills and pay them off for u. plenty of people on the utilities forum have claimed for this and got it if on benefits or low income. HAVE A LOOK IT CARN'T HURT CAN IT///////