British Gas Problems

matt1701d

Hello

I am wondering if anyone out there can give me a little bit of advice.
I have just received a call from your friendly gas and electric supplier British Gas advising me that due to wrong or incorrect readings over the past 2 years that I owe them a total sum of £540.99, to bring the account up to date, I advised them how could they let this happen, and the answer was pretty vague (Fuel rises,estimated readings etc). I stated that obviously I should of been informed before now that the amount I was paying by direct debit was not enough to cover the bill, unfortunately they did not advise me of this. The stated on the phone tonight that I should be paying £80 for gas and £50 for electric, and that the prices quoted on the previous direct debit payments were not enough to cover the current bills, I asked that if they knew that the payments needed to be increasded surely they should inform me, which they did not, they also have not sent me any recent bills to advise of the increase payment outstanding on my bill.
I am wondering if anyone out there has had the same problem with British Gas, and what action they took. At present I have told them I will look at changing supplier and would like a bill to be sent to me detailing the outstanding or current amount, they advised this is possible but full payment would need to be received within 28 days. Please can somebody advise on what I can do...Many Thanks
Matt

Cardew

Welcome to the forum.

This is a very common scenario with all of the Utility companies I am afraid and there are loads and loads of posts on this subject.

The position is that you are indeed liable for the debt as the responsibility is placed on you to check your bills, and if the meter readings are estimated, you should notify them of the correct readings.

You should also have been aware that prices for gas and electricity have increased considerably over the past couple of years and if your Direct Debit hasn't increased in that time, it will not cover the costs.

Without being unkind, you cannot absolve yourself of the responsibility for checking your accounts.

They are also correct that you cannot change supplier with an outstanding debt as they can, and will, block the transfer.

The normal procedure is that they will re-calculate your DD so that you pay back your debt over the period it took for that debit balance to build up, - 2 years in your case.

It is also worth pointing out that some people have made a fuss(best in writing) and got a reduction of up to 20% on the outstanding balance; but that is a goodwill gesture and not everyone is successful.

They are unlikely to make such a gesture if you intend leaving.