Gas Meter Reading not Advancing

d4duck

We had smart meters installed a few years (and a couple of suppliers) ago but because they are in the cellar they have never worked as smart meters and we still have to send in monthly readings.
Last week we had the boiler serviced and the engineer noticed that the meter reading wasn't advancing when he did the flow test. I reported this to the supplier and they have said they will send their partner company out to replace the meter, but this won't be until the 29th January. When I asked what the position would be regarding gas charges they replied that they would estimate the charge based on recent bills.
There seems to be a couple of problems with this approach. Firstly, I have only been with the current suppliers since June so they won't have any Winter usage to work from. Secondly, even if they do have access to bills and usage from previous suppliers our circumstances have changed with one of our sons having moved out and the other one in work so neither are in during the day running heating or using hot water for showers or baths.
What is my position here as they haven't given any details about how they will estimate the usage and I am concerned about the suppliers coming up with a ridiculous estimate and getting into a protracted dispute.

QrizB

Write to your supplier (email is OK) explaining how your circumstances at home have changed and that you expect to be using much less gas over the next three/four months than you have in previous years. Sate that you will expect them to take this into account with any estimated bills.