Gas meter reading "lost in space"

mcgrathb · 2 October 2017 at 12:13PM

I change supplier from GB Energy Supply to IRESA on the 22nd August. Since I only use gas for central heating I switch the gas boiler off during the summer: it will be off until there is some ground frost. However GB Energy are incapable understanding this concept. When I wasn't quick enough giving them a meter reading they added an estimated reading. The first time this happened I telephoned to correct the reading. It happened a second time and I changed supplier.

GB Energy Supply own me over £100, which they will not release until they get the final meter reading confirmed by IRESA. All very bureaucratic, since the only person to read the meter in the last year in me. I own GB Energy Supply nearly went to the wall and were rescued by Co-Op Enery, however, I object to supporting their cash flow with an interest free load.

matelodave · 2 October 2017 at 1:30PM

They aren't mind readers, if you dont send them a reading they'll guess what your consumption might be (its called an estimate).

When I was with them they sent me a reminder which gave plenty of notice for when a reading was required and even if they hadn't I'd still have sent them a reading once a month, so it's down to you really.

So dont moan or blame them because you didn't bother or forgot to send in a reading on time. Try being a bit more proactive with your new supplier or you'll end up back here in a month or two having another whinge

Raxiel · 2 October 2017 at 1:49PM

Despite GB's problems, this could be down to Iresa.

They can be notoriously slow at sorting out gas.

The way it is supposed to work is the gaining supplier manages all aspects of the transfer, so you give them your reading, and they get it validated by a third party (this is an industry standard). The third party either accepts your submitted reading or adjusts it based on historic usage, if they do adjust, you can appeal if its by more than Edit:1200 units (thanks Hengus), less than that you just have to accept.

The third party then returns this figure to the gaining supplier who pass it on to the losing supplier, so old and new accounts are closed/opened with the same values.

Some suppliers will agree to close an account on an estimate, but will still come back with a final bill/credit when the validated numbers come in.

Check your Iresa online account, go to the meter readings section. The bottom one should say:
"Deemed (Settlement Registers) or Estimated (Non-Settlement Registers)" with a figure that was used to open the account.

If it's there, contact Iresa (good luck) and ask them if they've forwarded it on
If it's not there, you need to contact them and ask them what the hold up is with validation.

System · 2 October 2017 at 1:51PM

Readings Dispute (credit: Ovo)

What happens during a reading dispute?

First of all, we ask for 2 readings, at least 2 weeks apart. We'll look at how much energy you normally use – and work out what the meter readings should be.

The difference between the original reading and the new, estimated reading must be more than:

1200kWhs (39 units for imperial, 109 units for metric) for gas

250kWhs for electricity

If it’s lower than that, we can’t open a dispute.

If it’s higher, we’ll open a dispute.

Gas meter reading "lost in space"

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