Collective Switch

British_Gas_Rep_Matt · 3 March 2016 at 3:12PM

ubdai wrote: »

I've switched from ScotPower to BritGas with Martin. So far it has been a hassle from BG to accept the meter readings. Submitted three times and then had emails from BG saying they cannot use them.
So far not filled with confidence that I have done the right think.

Hi Ubdai, I understand it's not a great first impression but I'm sure you won't regret your decision. Just so you know there's a specific way to submit readings for the opening of your account rather than a bill & it's possible you were submitting reading to be used for a bill. You can use the following link https://www.britishgas.co.uk/OpeningMeterRead/Anonymous-read/Entry/ to submit your opening readings or if it's easier just email your details to talktous@britishgas.co.uk, including your MSE Username in the subject heading. Cheers, Matt

British_Gas_Rep_Matt · 3 March 2016 at 3:31PM

ducatidemon100 wrote: »

Hi - Your post implies you have emailed all switchers who have had problems. I have not received any such email. I wonder if I am on the list or floating in a gas filled part of BG's ether. Paul

I'm sorry to hear that your switch hasn't gone smoothly.

Just to add, we've been kicking off to BG about the issue with the delay to the switch, pushing it hard to get this sorted and quickly. I totally understand your frustration with this and that is why we insisted on it providing the details of the group of users who have been impacted so we could share the email update which I sent out on Tuesday afternoon.

The best number to call if you're having difficulties is 0800 975 9712 - this'll take you straight through to the specialist collective team in Cardiff who have been specifically briefed and have extra system access compared to the usual BG customer service teams.

I hope this update helps.

Hi ducatidemon100, if you've been affected by this issue, we'll be writing to you directly to let you know a bit more about what's happened and confirming your gas is switching over to us. If you've any questions in the meantime I'll be happy to lend a hand, just pop your details to talktous@britishgas.co.uk and include your MSE Username. Thanks, Matt

British_Gas_Rep_Matt · 3 March 2016 at 4:09PM

Cardew wrote: »

Same experience here I am afraid.

I have an on-line account, gave meter readings which were acknowledged by email.

I have received 5 emails, one asking for meter point Nos.

Another asking for meter readings and stating they will need my Meter point Nos which are - and gave me the correct meter point nos.

The others are welcome and of the 'we need your meter readings' variety.

Phone calls just disconnect in some cases, or go through security questions with me(automated) and then say a 20 min wait.

Still I was with Scottish Power - maybe I still am!! - so am used to the chaos. I can still access my SP account and it still tells me that my last bill was March 2015 and next bill due June 2015

Hi Cardew, I understand you being frustrated but I'm confident I can get to the bottom of what's happening. Please just pop your details on an email to talktous@britishgas.co.uk, including your MSE Username in the subject heading. Thanks, Matt

greatuncle · 3 March 2016 at 5:08PM

I decided to take advantage of the Martin Lewis collective switch from Sainsbury`s Energy to British Gas, hoping for the best but expecting the usual hassle and so it came about. For dual fuel I was quoted a monthly payment of just £42.47. Down from £70.Excellent.
Received an e-mail on the 26th Feb informing me the account was active from the 25th and could they have my initial readings. Didn`t see the email until the 27th. Submitted the readings online. Message tells me they are "not what we expected" and that estimates had already been used.
Another email from BG arrived 3rd March telling me they`ve cancelled my direct debit "as asked". By whom??? So I phone and after waiting what seems an eternity get to speak to the usual hapless telesales person who doesn`t know who cancelled the DD or why. But suggests it might be because the amount has been changed to £56+. If British Gas were new to game it might have some excuse but it seems even the simplest of things are just too much for them. BG run Sainsbury`s Energy, so you would have thought it was a doddle for them to switch things around.

robbieroy · 3 March 2016 at 6:22PM

I have the same story as many others regarding this collective switch. Was due to be switched over on 23rd Feb but I'm afraid that I am still waiting despite trying to submit meter readings via the app, online via the computer and even submitted them a few days ago by phone.
Contacted the collective telephone number the other day only to hear a recorded message saying the control room had been evacuated!
Worst switch experience ever.
RR

karenccs67 · 4 March 2016 at 9:47AM

I switched from Sainsburys to BG and so far it's gone smoothly, I did have to give meter readings twice via email, today they have taken the first DD payment.

MSE_Dan_L · 4 March 2016 at 10:21AM

Coinmachine wrote: »

Does anyone know how the £30 cashback will work?

The £30 cashback is funded by the switch referral fee which suppliers pay when confirming a switch as successful. This normally takes around 3 months to come through (sometimes slightly quicker, sometimes a little longer) - as soon as it does, we split this with you and pay the cashback, normally directly into your bank account under the reference EnergyClubCashBk.

MSE_Dan_L · 4 March 2016 at 10:25AM

greatuncle wrote: »

BG run Sainsbury`s Energy, so you would have thought it was a doddle for them to switch things around.

Hi Greatuncle

That really doesn't sound right! Have you tried speaking to BG's specialist collective team on 0800 975 9712? It should be able to iron out these issues for you and ensure that everything is set-up on your account in the right way.

Kingsd316 · 4 March 2016 at 11:13AM

British_Gas_Rep_Matt wrote: »

Hi Kingsd316, I've replied to your email and just give me a shout if you've any further questions. Cheers, Matt

Thanks Matt, have replied to your email just to reconfirm everything is OK on my account as I have woken up to the "cant process your meter reading" email

Thanks

Chrishazle · 4 March 2016 at 11:51AM

So I'm not the only one wondering what the heck is going on with BG! I must have been one of the first to sign up (switching from Sainsburys energy BACK to BG, was a BG customer from May 2007 to Dec 2014!), got the "welcome to BG" email 4th Feb, 2 more emails about setting up my password (which I did) 16th Feb then request for first meter reading 24th Feb - which I gave using the link provided in the email, also put the same reading into my Sainsburys accounts so both companies had the same readings for last and first.

No emails from BG since then, looked online at my Sainsburys account and see I'm now on their standard tariff as the Feb 2016 fix had expired, called BG (2 days ago), my account still not set up, talking to the collective switch team "I'm flagging your account to keep tabs on it, will check in a couple of days and call you".

Sainsburys standard tariff is somewhat more expensive than the BG tariff, I'm wondering if, once BG get their act organised, they'll use the readings I gave on 24th Feb to start my account - and close the Sainsburys account.

Almost as chaotic as a few years back when I tried to switch to Scottish Power and eventually found that the main electricity meter database had wrong info about my meter, whcih stopped the transfer. Thankfully that error has been corrected!

Collective Switch

Comments

Categories

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free