Ethical issue with British Gas

nm1213

I moved to a new build last november, and as part of this process, the estate agent was supposed to arrange for my gas supply through BG. Months passed, and I even called BG, and they said not to worry, it was being processed.

I just got the bill, but it was from June - June, and was addressed to the builder. I've arranged to pay it off with BG so all is good, but some people are saying that I had no obligation to pay a bill that was not in my name.

I figure, hey, it is my address, and I live here. It may be in a builder's name, but ultimately it is my problem. Could I really have got away with not paying?

Another thing that strikes me, BG did not have the meter reading when I moved in. I had it because the estate agency gave it to me. However, what was stopping me from giving an inflated reading?

Glad I paid the bill off before discussing with people, else I would have had second thoughts... hey, I'm only human, and they are just thoughts!

Cardew

The 'some people' are quite wrong - as they often are!!!

The Gas and Electricity Acts make it crystal clear that an occupant of a house has entered into a 'presumed contract' the moment they use any gas/electricity.

That is why it is perfectly legal for the Utility company to send out bills addressed to 'The Occupier'.

It would be virtually impossible to find out the name of any occupant(particularly if renting) of a property, without a great deal of detective work.

If the 'The Occupier' provision was not legal, the Utility companies would be obliged to cut off electricity and gas when the old occupant left, and the new occupant have to wait(and pay) for re-connection.

Of course you could 'inflate the meter reading' and if the builder did not dispute the reading(they might have noted it?) you would doubtless get away with the 'fraud'.

P.S.
You should of course claim the June to Nov portion of the bill from the builder if you have paid it off as you sate.

IvanOpinion

I would not have paid the June-Nov portion. Did you take a reading when you moved in? Is that included on the bill and can the charges for the period before you moved in and after you moved in be separated? If needs be you can get the provider to estimate a reading for November. As far as I am awre you are only liable for charges from November

Ivan

nm1213

Thank you for your responses. I'm glad it is all paid and done with. With BG, I fear incompetence. My gas meter will probably explode now or something.

N.

IKWeb

Hello, I would advise if you have not done to contact BG and get the account moved over into your name, the phone no you need is 0845 9555800 The reason for this is if you have any issues with your account at a later date they will become alot harder to fix if the account is not registered under yourself. Hope this helps.