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No bills for 2 years

Snoozie
Snoozie Posts: 62 Forumite
I am embarrased to admit that I have only just realised that we have not been paying anyone for our electricity for nearly 2 years. The problem seems to have started when we switched suppliers. We stopped paying British Gas, but never started to pay anyone else, and can't even remember who we switched to.
I know it seems hard to believe that we didn't notice - but our Gas supplier is Southern Electric - and the direct debit leaving our account each month is to SE Gas - so in my mind that's the gas paid, and then we get paper bills from Southern Electric - and in my mind that's the electricity paid. Needless to say they are one and the same!!
The penny began to drop a few months ago, but it is only now that we have trawled through all our old bills and bank statements that we realise what has been happening.
We have rung British Gas ( last known supplier) explained the situation, and they are getting back to us.
Obviously we will be paying what we owe, and it's our fault for not realising much earlier, but what a nightmare! Has anyone else been in a similar situation? And how long were you given to pay the arrears?

Yikes!!

Comments

  • never been in that position, well almost, did have a £800 gas bill shoved on me once, when they didn't read the meter for ages (quaterly bill), i just prolonged it as long as possible (about 2months).
    The problem will be finding out who you are signed up to. There will be no shortage of takers.

    Good Luck
  • dellxps
    dellxps Posts: 251 Forumite
    It should be pretty simple to find out who supplies your electricity. There's a database which details past suppliers to a property.

    visit the link to get the contact number for your regional electricity supplier. they will be able to tell you who the current supplier is. choose question 5

    http://www.energywatch.org.uk/your_questions/index.asp
  • Snoozie
    Snoozie Posts: 62 Forumite
    Thanks for that link - I'll call them tomorrow & identify the supplier at least.
  • dellxps
    dellxps Posts: 251 Forumite
    Snoozie,you'll probably find that you've got quite a large bill to pay at the end of this. When you identify the supplier ask to speak a manager to explain the situation (preferably someone in billing).

    I don't know whether the billing code applies in your case, but if you have never recieved a bill you are only liable to pay back one years worth of usage. I know you've recieved gas bills, but i think because you've never been sent an elec one you may only have to pay for the last year.

    If you do find that you have to pay for the last few years, try and stretch the debt for as long as possible. Bear in mind that you have to pay for current usage as well as the outstanding balance. Most suppliers give you twelve months to pay off an outstanding balance but in some circumstances i've seen them go upto 48 months! Do not let them persuade you to have a prepayment meter fitted to collect the debt, they work out much more expensive.

    Good luck and let us know how you get on :)
  • papito
    papito Posts: 365 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    follow dellxps advice and tell them is their fault not sending the bills on time.
    Well!!! share fault at least??
  • cogster_2
    cogster_2 Posts: 9 Forumite
    That happened to me sort of. (twice). I moved into a new place and there was no gas supply. I fitted gas central heating and 8 months had gone bye and like yourself (there are enough bills when you first move in to be calling everyone, begging for more lol). I never noticed.

    So I notified them, someone came round - and because they cant be sure of the amount, FREE GAS!

    And recently (in another place) it is those dam pre-payment card meters. The gas never seemed to run out. 8 months went by and I give them a call. (you don't want a huge bill after all) They came up, fitted a new meter and the guy said he would put £10 on the meter for the inconvenience!!! Again FREE GASS

    I'm not sure but I think you could be ok.
    Debt £8.379.62

    Proud to be dealing with my debts
  • Snoozie
    Snoozie Posts: 62 Forumite
    Many thanks - let's hope so!! Apparently the person I spoke to at British Gas has sent off an R3 fault form (whatever that is) and I should hear from them in about 14 days.
  • Maz
    Maz Posts: 1,405 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I've still got a similar problem that's been going on since 2006. We changed from Good Energy to Scottish Power for both gas and leccy. Fine and dandy we thought.

    Since then we've had leccy bills but never any gas bills. when I phoned SP, they insisted that they weren't our supplier! Even checking the industry database myself, it states Scottish Power as our gas supplier.

    Not with Scottish Power for even leccy now and tbh, don't quite know what to do about this. It's a bit worrying!
    'The only thing that helps me keep my slender grip on reality is the friendship I have with my collection of singing potatoes'

    Sleepy J.
  • dellxps
    dellxps Posts: 251 Forumite
    Maz,

    If Scottish Power are no help you can always contact Energy Watch- they are the watchdog for energy suppliers. They will help you with your complaint.

    www.energywatch.org.uk
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