gas bill via s-power help pls?

karms12

hi guys

just received a letter from scot power for a gas bill of £970.

they have stated they have not billed me for 2 years as there been glitch on their system.

this is also partially my fault for being under the impression my elecy direct debit via them was for gas & elecy, just realised it was for elecy only so did not chase it up.

a friend has told me gas suppliers have to legally cancel some of the bill if they have not billed u in some time.

can anyone confirm this pls and advise me how to proceed?

thank you

adam

Joyful

Since July 2007 an energy company can only back bill you for 1 year. Call them back and ask for a correct bill.

Caffca

Joyful wrote: »

Since July 2007 an energy company can only back bill you for 1 year. Call them back and ask for a correct bill.

Joyful is entirely correct. If you want to have proof in case you get a numpty advisor have a look at these

Ofgem Press Release July 2005
Energywatch web site

Make sure you check the revised bill carefully to ensure they haven't loaded the charges so "more was used" in the second year than the first.

Cardew

Above is correct.

However, whilst you have been told you haven't been billed for 2 years; are sure the £970 is for 2 years gas - and not just the last 12 months? Look at the dates carefully and the meter reading dates.

SPower know the rules and I am surprised that they are 'trying it on'(if the £970 is for 2 years) - that could get them in trouble!

Lastly when you say "they have not billed you" there is a difference between not deducting money from your bank by Direct Debit and not producing bills. If they have produced any bills - even if estimated - you are liable for the whole amount.

I hope I am not being too pessimistic!!!

karms12

hi guys

ok they have not billed us full stop in 2 years.

i have given my latest meter reading and they are stating i owe £970 since jan 2007, the year before has been written off already.

i think i will ask for a full statement but many thanks for the solid advice.

thank you

adam

Cardew

karms12 wrote: »

hi guys

ok they have not billed us full stop in 2 years.

i have given my latest meter reading and they are stating i owe £970 since jan 2007, the year before has been written off already.

i think i will ask for a full statement but many thanks for the solid advice.

thank you

adam

Well at least SP did know the rules!; and you have had 12 months free gas!

A couple of points.

Firstly you should have 12 months to pay that £970 back - £80 a month on top of your actual consumption.

Secondly(assuming they also have read your meters for 2 years) carefully check that their apportionment of the 12 months consumption is correct. They will estimate usage from Jan 07 and at any price change points.

karms12

Cardew wrote: »

Secondly(assuming they also have read your meters for 2 years) carefully check that their apportionment of the 12 months consumption is correct. They will estimate usage from Jan 07 and at any price change points.

how do i go about actualy checking that their apportionment is correct pls?

thank you

Rikki

karms12 wrote: »

how do i go about actualy checking that their apportionment is correct pls?

thank you

Do you have the last bill they sent you two years ago?

This should have the readings on.

Cardew

karms12 wrote: »

how do i go about actualy checking that their apportionment is correct pls?

thank you

It should be pro-rata.

So if it was for exactly 2 years(say 31 Jan 2006 to 31 Jan 2008) and the total consumption over that period was, say, 80,000kWh, the start point for negotiations should be that they bill you for 40,000kWh.

What would make me wary is that £970 is a very large bill for only 12 months use. The average UK consumption is 20,500kWh which is around £500

You have given them your latest meter reading, so in essence you need to investigate how their reading in Jan 2007 was determined.