large 3K bill no recent reading- how do power company apply prices

steve888

Hello

I have a large outstanding bill £2000 electricity and £1500 gas

I have been with the same power company Powergen for the past 5 years - the metres have not been read for 5 years and now am worrying that when I give the Powergen the reading they will charge at the current prices which is 50% more than when i started with them.

I know its my own fault for not getting my metres read- but now am wondering what forumla the power company will apply- ONCE i give them my actual gas and electricity reading

for example will they average out the cost over the last four years? and charge me the an average of the previous 5 year prices or will this be all the current prevailing price?

I:A:As there anyone here who would know what Powergens billing policy on this would be?

many thanks for any help

siren13577

Have you received any bills in the last few years? I'm asking because I think utility companies have something called a billing code and if you have not been billed in the last three years (it has changed to one recently but I think you may be covered by the three years) you may only be charged the price of one years electricity and gas. Have a look here for some information on Eon/Powergen:
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/utilities-gas-electricity-water/130868-2-5yr-old-e.html?highlight=powergen
and I hope this helps. I don't know whether it will count but it sounds like it may do, I'm assuming the bills are estimated bills due to the fact you say you have not contacted them, I'm sorry if I've read anything wrong, I'm 29 weeks pregnant and my brain does not seem to be working as well as usual. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Cardew

With that sort of bill you will have considerable scope for negotiating a big reduction on your bill. There is no way to accurately apportion charges over this period, but they try to estimate usage at various dates.

Whilst as you say you should not have let it go this long, they are supposed to read your meters every 2 years.

At least you have had an interest free loan for 5 years!

Get on your negotiators hat - 25% off and a year to pay it back??

Pay them cash for a 30% reduction??

steve888

thanks for this. All the electronic online bills i have had are based on estimated readings- as they were emailed and i forgot to log in I lost the plot somewhat

I didnt realise you could negotiate

I thought they would just apply a formula. Any tips on negotiating gratefully received if anyone has done this successfully with the amonuts I am looking at

Cardew

If you search posts on this forum you will find loads of examples of people who have obtained a substantial reduction on their large bills that have accrued in the same manner.

I would simply give them the correct reading and see what they come up with, then make an offer and be prepared to compromise.

Your strong point is they should have read the meter at least twice in the 5 years.
You are absolutely sure that all bills have been based on estimated readings?
I say that because it is not unknown for meter readers to have been unable to gain access and 'pretend' they have read the meter e.g. estimate but enter it as an actual reading.

P.S the 12 month rule only applies if you haven't received a bill of any kind.

steve888

thanks the bills have been estimated thats for sure


will do the search and pick up the top negotions tips

cheers

steve