British Gas Mess up

[Foosmummy]

Hi all,

I need some advice, As to where I stand with a problem I have encountered with BG.

On the 1st October, My family moved home, The current supplier to the house was Southern Electric. We changed to British Gas, For both Gas, And Elelctric.

Yesterday we had our Final bill from Southern Electric, For the sum of £41.35, Bearing in mind they had only supplied our gas from the 1st to 16th October. I rang to dispute this, As there is no way we would have used this much gas. I was told on the phone this was an estimated reading, And would therefore need to contact British Gas.

I was told by the young man at British gas, That there was nothing I could do and would have to pay the money, He said they had estimated that reading and given it to Southern Electric, I told them I was unhappy no- one had ever contacted us for a reading ( First time we have ever moved), And it was bad Customer service on their part. So what can I do?? Just pay the money? I don't know what to do.

Sorry for rambling on...

[2Grumpy]

I'm presuming that the estimated reading is the one of 16th October.

Check that with BG & SE. The estimate should be BG starting reading for their bills as well as SE final reading , so the only way you will lose out is in the difference in unit price and the loss of interest on any overpayment that there might have been

An alternative might be to work out what you think the reading was, based on the reading on 1st October when you moved in (that should be an actual reading based on what the people moving out gave them) and what the reading is now, and ring BG and SE and tell them that this was an actual meter reading on that date and that they should use that (unless they can provide a better reading)

If the estimated reading is the one of 1st October, that is a different ball game. The previous people would be liable until the a proper reading (even if by yourself) is taken.

Grumpy