Moved to British Gas extortionate monthly fees - vulnerable, adult with disabilities.

Totally_Frustrated

I am speaking on behalf of my in-law. 

We registered with the local community services which offered a deal which competed well against other providers. The quotes were were provided and showed to be lower than she was being offered with her present provider, thus, agreed to change British Gas.

Today we received the charge for the months usage, which was £137.13. However, imagine our shock when the monthly charge from the account was showing: £401.80.attempts to reset the payment to a more realistic rate failed, as the system would not allow. This will now put her into Debt. She is distressed and worried how she is going to manage for the winter. She cannot process how this has happened. For me, i am mortified, as i assisted her to change to the company. something, i now seriously regret. Can someone please advise

PHK

There are a number of little errors and wrong words which make that difficult to understand. 

Are you saying the bill from British Gas is for £137 but  £401 has been taken by direct debit from her bank account by British Gas. 

If so, then contact your bank and ask explain there's been an error and you want to use the direct debit guarantee. They'll then reverse the payment. 

Next, phone British Gas and explain they too the wrong amount so she needs to pay £137

MattMattMattUK

Totally_Frustrated said:

I am speaking on behalf of my in-law. 

We registered with the local community services which offered a deal which competed well against other providers. The quotes were were provided and showed to be lower than she was being offered with her present provider, thus, agreed to change British Gas.

Today we received the charge for the months usage, which was £137.13. However, imagine our shock when the monthly charge from the account was showing: £401.80.attempts to reset the payment to a more realistic rate failed, as the system would not allow. This will now put her into Debt. She is distressed and worried how she is going to manage for the winter. She cannot process how this has happened. For me, i am mortified, as i assisted her to change to the company. something, i now seriously regret. Can someone please advise

I expect this relates to bills vs monthly Direct Debits. Coming into winter with no credit built up in the account means the customer needs higher payments to avoid going into debt, they payment will not be 1/12th of annual usage as that would result in considerable debt by spring, it will be much higher. It also depends if your estimate was based on actual usage figures, or just a somewhat random "average user".

Keep_pedalling

Was the £137 based on meter readings or was it estimated? What is the current status of the account?

Robin9

Can you give us some more info from the bill please

Forget £ for the time being - what is important is the 

What was the  meter reading when she swopped to BG   - (who gave BG that reading ?)

What is the closing reading on that bill?

Please include the letters  AC E S or the words our read/your read

Is this gas or electric or both.

Don't forget she will get £100 or more in a few weeks

Archergirl

Phone BG they are very helpful especially to older folk