BG Electric

[Rewmer]

Spurned on by my recent re-claim of bank charges (£2500) and an ongoing battle with Robinson way re an old credit agreement, its time to tackle BG. This has been ongoing for about 3 years now. I keep getting estimated bills despite giving them many readings and they seem to be unable to set up a Direct debit as I have requested many times, and the upshot of this is that I now have an estimated bill for £3000 and no sign of anyend to this farce. Unfortunatly I havnt kept any records of my arguments or times I have been on hold for 45 minutes and then been cut off. Question is, how is the best way to proceed ? Do I start with OFWATCH or someone up hignh in BG. Skimming the forums, am I right in thinking they can only chase me for 1 years debt?

Thanks in advance.

[ozzywizard]

You will need to double check this information as I have been out of the energy industry for over a year now.

The one year rule only applies for somone who has not received any bills for energy used. You have received bills but estimated, they have to read your meter at least once in 2 years and give an accurate bill within a 2 year period based on an actual read.

If they have not obtained an actual reading for 3 years then they can only go back 2 years. Untill this read has been done and bill actioned they cannot bill you anymore on an estimation and this puts the account in dispute.

Also the amount accrued they have to spread it over the next 2 years by DD inclusive of useage.

Send a letter into BG to start with, do not phone them, put egverything in writing then when you go to the regulators you have proof you have done your best to work towards a resolution.

[noggsy]

Ozzy is correct, the one year rule only applies to no bills being received. As far as meter reads they are duty bound to read the meter at least once within the last two years. If they fail, they will receive a fine from the regulator. As someone who works in the industry, I am aware this work on unread meters was suspended in May due to lack of budget ! with no date as to when it is due to restart. I would report the matter to Energywatch who will take this matter up on your behalf.