First Bill from BG

Supercali

I've just received my first bill online from BG for electric and it says 'Amount Now Due'. I pay by DD so do I have to pay this now or can I just carry on with the DDs and the amount will be paid off anyway over the next year?

I'm confused as to why I've got a bill after only 7 weeks anyway. The bill is high as they totally underestimated the reading by 3000!! at the beginning. I entered the correct reading online and on their telephone system and tried phoning them (but their computer system was down :rolleyes: ). I gave up in the end and thought it best anyway as I would save over a hundred pounds by paying 3000 at a cheaper rate than with my previous supplier. I supplied another meter reading recently and this one they have used on the bill.

I tried getting hold of them this morning but their offices are shut.

I really can't afford to pay this amount in one go at the moment but I don't want to leave it to fester incase they are expecting payment from me and I end up with threatening letters :eek:

Supercali

Anyone?

Joyful

I would check online that you are definitely paying by direct debit. I suspect you may not be. Also check with your bank that a DD is set up.

SwanJon

Does the bill include a DD discount? It might just be that the online bill says it anyway - there have been a few issues with the site.
Have they taken DDs from you?

If you are leaving the opening read, put a read into the site every so often so they don't think that's your normal consumption.
As to when the bill comes, its based on when the meter reader comes round to your street, so your first bill is for a shorter time. The next one will be for 3 months.

Supercali

I've had 2 DDs come out my bank account and one due out in a couple of days time.

The balance they want from me is £173 so maybe because the figure is so high then they want the balance now?

(had no boiler for a while so had to use fan heaters for a few months :eek: but new boiler in now)

SwanJon

If you're on DD then they shouldn't be asking for any money from you apart from the DDs.
Sometimes mistakes happen and old balances aren't included, but as this is your first bill that won't be the case this time.
Just keep paying the DDs, keep giving them accurate readings and keep checking the online bills when they come.