Legal question - we don't get a gas bill!

sibisi73

It sounds too good to be true...but we don't get a gas bill at our current flat. We have lived here now for almost a year and when we moved in we contacted all utilities to change details etc. The gas was a problem - we thought it was supplied by Powergen (based on mail delivered from them to the previous occupant). When we called (atrocious service, btw, held on a mobile for 20 minutes) we were told that our address was not on their database and therefore they didn't supply our gas - they did ask for the serial number on the meter, and, honestly, it doesn't have one (?) So we tried Transco.....who suggested that it WAS Powergen. Called Powergen back and confirmed everything - definitely NOT on their database, our address (according to them) 'doesn't exist'.

So....a few months pass and we have a visit from someone to read the meter! I ask where he was from, he says "Powergen". I keep quiet (and confused), he reads the meter and leaves. Next day I email Powergen and explain that we've had a visit from a meter reader, give our details...no record of our address etc. I kept their email reply which categorically states that they don't supply our gas...but no-one else does either!

We are not begging to pay....but could someone give me an idea of where we stand, legally, if they suddenly decide we owe them a year's worth of money for gas. We haven't been underhand about it and have contacted then three or four times over the last year for fear of getting a huge bill.

Xbigman

First thought is check the post code is correct. I gave the wrong postcode for years in the early 80's. Not everything was computerized in those days but the few that were always claimed the address didn't exist. Try giving them your address without the post code (say you don't know it).

Legally. If they suddenly discover you are a customer of their's they will come after you for the money. I think you have a good defence but it will be a hassle at the least and you might well owe the money if they can prove they were not at fault.

I'd keep a record of all the readings every three months and stick the money to cover the possible bill in the bank until such time as you actually get a bill or move.
Regards



X

Sabayon

We had the same thing with the electric bill (suplied by British Gas) got our first bill about eighteen months after we moved in. ouch! I phoned them and they addmited it was all their fault. We had to pay back the bill at somthing silly like five pounds a month! I found this very strange as they also supplied our gas and managed to bill us for that ok!

R00STER00

I have also recently encountered this, only it was Scottish Power. We never received any bills for our gas but we did for electricity.

After 4.5 years I decided to try and sort it out because it worried me that we might get hit with a massive bill even later. Scottish Power had no record of our gas account and I had to go through Transco who told me that SP did supply our gas and to get back in touch with them. I did that and two months later, SP finally traced us and gave us a bill for about £1,200. This was far better than I thought and is probably lower than we should be paying because the original reading of 4 years ago was estimated by them.

Anyway, I asked them if they could spread the payments and if I had any reduction for dual-fuel. A week later I got a letter with a 25% reduction and the option to pay over 3 years at £25 a month. Result!

I think they looked favourably on our case because of our honesty in coming forward, and although we may have got away without paying indefinately, I am far happier with getting this dealt with and a managable bill into the bargain.