Unable to submit Electricity Meter Readings Online with British Gas

StressFreeTimes

I recently switched only to BG only to find I could not submit electricity meter readings online. I do not have a smart meter. Has anyone else had this problem? I raised a complaint after 7 days but as there was no work around so I have switched back to my previous supplier where I could submit online readings. They want me to pay exit charges so I have made another complaint. I was with them for 3 weeks to give them time but at no point did they refer to the 14 day cooling off period. Can anyone advise if I will have to pay the £100 when the my energy usage charge was £66?

MattMattMattUK

StressFreeTimes said:

I recently switched only to BG only to find I could not submit electricity meter readings online. I do not have a smart meter. Has anyone else had this problem? I raised a complaint after 7 days but as there was no work around so I have switched back to my previous supplier where I could submit online readings. They want me to pay exit charges so I have made another complaint. I was with them for 3 weeks to give them time but at no point did they refer to the 14 day cooling off period. Can anyone advise if I will have to pay the £100 when the my energy usage charge was £66?

Yes, you signed a contract with an early termination charge, you have terminated it, hence having to pay the charge. 

p00hsticks

Why were you unable to submit electricity readings ? 
Are you an electricity only user or also gas ? 
I regularly submit readings for both electricity and gas to BG with no problem.

Gerry1

You can submit meter readings by phone 24/7.

https://www.britishgas.co.uk/meterreads#call

Robin9

@StressFreeTimes     BG was not perhaps the best choice -  they do seem to have a reputation for customer service.

Having said that you do not seem to have given them much time to sort things out - not bring able to give them readings after 7 days ( not sure why you wanted to this) and not seeking alternative methods as @Gerry1 has pointed out. 

Yes you committed to the Exit fee.

WiserMiser

IF you're within the 14-day cooling off period with your new supplier you and there's no exit fee, you could cancel the switch.  You'd then be back with BG as if nothing had happened.

If you've been with your new supplier for more than 14 days and there's no exit fee, you could ask BG whether they would take you back on the same tariff and refund the exit fee.  If they agree, make sure you get it it writing, otherwise it's highly likely to end up as Computer Says No.

Please remember to come back and tell us the outcome.

StressFreeTimes

BG were unable to tell me why I couldn't submit my electricity reading online and I didn't want to ring them each month and wait for my call to be answered. In view of this felt it was easier to go back to my previous supplier with whom I could submit online readings for gas and electricity. Their customer service didn't inspire confidence which is why I left. 
I have raised a complaint against the exit fees but from your feedback looks like I will have to pay and put the whole matter down to experience and a learning curve going forward.