Final bill with British Gas

lemonpie_2

I've switched from British Gas to NPower for gas and electric who sold me their new fixed price deal until 2011 on my doorstep. I told them my main worry about switching was that I would then get a final bill from Briitsh Gas who would no doubt want paying straight away which would cause me a problem. They advised that all suppliers have to give customers 3 months to pay off final bills. After setting up the new deal with NPower British Gas sent me a bill dated 18th April which I didn't receive until 1st May where it said "final bill = £175 including £45 cancellation fee to come out of my account by dd on 1st May" hence it came out of my account the day I received the letter. I took issue up with British Gas who just told me to take it up with Royal Mail. Thing is, whenever I get my bills from British Gas they almost always arrive 2-3 weeks later than the date on the actual bill and I'm sure it can't always be the fault of Royal Mail.

Can anyone offer me any advice on whether they are allowed to do this? I had no idea the amount would be so high and I had no notice to even make the payment without getting overdrawn.

Any help greatly appreciated!

Cardew

Yes they are allowed to do this.

The DD authority you sign allows them to take out any amount from your bank - provided they give you the required notice; and BG say they have!!

BG only have to prove that notification was sent; not that you received it! Otherwise a lot of people would claim that the notification had been lost in the post!!!!

Incidentally what was the £45 cancellation fee for?

I really hope you were not on the BG fixed to April 30th 2010 tariff - and moved to NPower on the advice on a 'doorstep' NPower salesman!!

Please Please tell me you weren't on that BG PP 2010 tariff!!!

lemonpie_2

Thank you for your reply. Yes I was on the BG 2010 fixed tariff but NPower said that their rates were lower than that. I get the feeling you're going to tell me I made a big mistake......

ged1980

lemonpie wrote: »

Thank you for your reply. Yes I was on the BG 2010 fixed tariff but NPower said that their rates were lower than that. I get the feeling you're going to tell me I made a big mistake......

Your only mistake was buying from someone who came to your door and will say anything to get you to buy.

Im not laughing at you i have done it before and i bet lots of people here have done it also but we learn thats why i use sites like this one i have saved money now but the proper way.