N-Power - right of entry?

[buzzkat]

Hi all

I lived in my previous flat with my partner for 7 months and the property was supplied with gas and electricity by N Power. I paid both sets of bills as soon as they arrived but upon moving out was told that there was an outstanding balance of £400 against the electric.

As both my partner and i worked full time and were out most of the day i am at a loss to see how we consumed over £1000 (in both gas and electricity combined) in a relatively short period of time. I am also concerned as towards the end of my tenancy if was revealed that the upstairs flat had access to out water system and were able to turn it off on us if they chose to do so. With no seperate water system i wonder if the electricity meters are also in some way interlinked.

I contacted N Power with my concerns who initially agreed that the bill was high and that i should put my concerns in writing, which i did. Having received no response to two letters (but they cashed the cheques i sent in, in an attempt to start contributing to the bill) i rang. I was told that if i had a fridge freezer then i should expect the bill to be high (??!!) and that there was nothing to do but pay.

Having now raised a complaint they have taken 3 months to write to me to say that there is nothing they can do unless the new tenants contact then to say that they have noticed an error.

My understanding is that if i have raised a complaint they have the right to access the property to inspect their meter. Am i wrong? I have no wish for them to go breaking the door down, merely to check that their meter is reading accurately.

I find it unlikely now that even if they do inspect the meter they will admit to finding any kind of error and am resigned to having to pay the entire outstanding amount but still feel that my complaint should be taken seriously and investigated!

Any thoughts would be great!

[old_andrew2007]

A bit complex so sorry my reply is to BUMP your thread

[noggsy]

Normally, for them to send an Engineer to inspect a meter they will charge you, normally somewhere in the region of £60. It is highly unlikely they will apply for a Warrant of Entry as for one thing the Magistrates will not grant it, so unless the new tenants give permission they will not act and to be frank, it is doubtful if they will act further. They are more than likely to continue to chase you for the alleged outstanding amount. Sorry I cant give you any positive comments - Another case for Energywatch I would suggest !