Bgas Contracts and Agreements Help

[scottlass]

Hi, all Newbie here,

I was wondering if i would be to get some feedback, and info with regards to British Gas, and if someone has the know and maybe similar experience also. with contracts and timeframes etc.

Any info with regard to my post i would be very grateful. I am sorry it is long winded, but hope it will make my situation, with them more understandable.

 

I am a council tennant and as part of our upgrade gas central heating was installed in our property in the Feb 07, we were advised from the council to have a selected provider and this was BGas....

 

I contacted bGas via an online web site comparison site in March 07, and completed the online form, i received a letter soon after from them, with a copy of the online form i completed, the deceleration at the bottom states in the signature bit as agreed over the telephone. I had also highlighted the option for prepayment meter. The letter goes on to give me a provisional number, and says that there may be some delay in setting up the account some several months..

 

I then proceeded to contact them on several occasions April-oct 07 with regard to the delay, mainly by telephone, highlighting that i was concerned about the timeframe for this account, and my concerns regarding my gas consumption adding to debt. I was advised that there would be a bill, sent out soon, and that it was a priority.

 

The next letter i recieved was in wait for it...lol 11 September 08, stating that they had tried to call regarding your enquiry. Stating sorry about the inconvenience caused in setting up the gas account, and that they would be working on resolving this issue, and that i would receive a statement as soon as this was resolved. They then went on to say that they couldnt give a more precise timescale but were treating this as a priority.

 

The second mail was in october08-to get a meter reading, and how they have billed my account an estimated reading and should receive this in the next 14 days. They then go on to say thank you for my patience...lol, and sorry for taking so long connecting myself, and setting up an account.

 

I received my bill Oct 08

Bill summary 2 may 07- 13 Oct 08

Gas used est - £760.22

vat - £ 38.01

adj - goodwill £ 247.47

please pay £550.76

 

I have since received 3 reminder letters regarding this, and as a result submitted a complaint online Nov to them with regards to getting cutt off on a phone call to them after a long wait, my concerns about the delay, nonpayment meter installed, unsure of payment plan,along with the fact that there delay has put my account in arrears.

I have since not received any letter to address my issue only harassment calls from a customer sales guy, whom i intend to speak to as soon as i am better informed. The only letter i keep getting is that hes trying to contact me...lol, and not taking the steps to sit and reply to my complaint in writing...Arrr

 

December and i receive a further bill this is for 14-0ct - 17 Dec,this is the balance previous - £550.76

new usage - £212.89

total £774.29

 

This states on the back that 14 oct estimated

17 dec actual readings.

 

I am unsure where i stand with regards to this, in my eyes it has took them from April 07 till Oct 08, to get my account set up,

And if i am locked into a contract with them,no signature.. and if there may be a case to get the first bill from 2may 07-Oct 08 waived. I see that they haven't billed me from the feb 07 to the may so saving some 3 months there on top of the good will of £247.47

 

Or if i should move supplier and see if i can get the monies transferred into a new supplier, as we are aware of the rising and changes in the fuel costs etc.and can go duel fuel with my electric supplier. I am aware that someone had the same kind of difficulties and his web page highlights this, i got this site through his page

 

British Gas Fraud - Harassment.

 

I am sorry that my posting is a bit long winded and appreciate the time folks will take to read over this, i hope that i may get some crucial information in order to get this matter fixed. I very much appreciate any comments or feedback,

Many thanks,

Scottlass

[pelham9]

As it was over a year before you got your first bill I would think that the 247 odd 'goodwill' is a refund of the amount prior to one year ago. Gas and electric companies have agreed to waive cost of supply for any period that is over one year before the first bill. You should check the one year ago 'meter reading' as it is very likely that it was estimated in their favour. Ask them for a full account of the goodwill payment and how they have calculated it.

 

At present there is little point in phoning them as customer services rarely do or in fact can do anything because of computer problems. You have emailed a complaint but I would now follow up with a full written complaint and keep everything in writing. This will put the account in dispute and they should not keep demanding money as they will be beaking OFT guidelines. I am pretty sure they will continue to do so as there seems to be very little communication between BG and their recovery department.

 

BG will not let you change to another supplier until this is sorted.

 

See British Gas to sue Accenture over customer service hell | This is Money

Edited January 15, 2009 by pelham9
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[scottlass]

Just popped on today to see any threads for myself.

Also to say thank you very much for taking the time and effort to help. For your invaluable assistance with this conflict, i hope i can get a resolution soon...

You additional link was very informative also,and be sure to add the link to my complaint etc.

I dont know if i can switch suppliers, though you say not, as i would like to, on the grounds of there incompitence?Contracted with them?If possible the ability to set up a repayment plan with them. As i do acnolage that i am liable for the bill from Oct to now.. l Will persure a further written complaint, again online as well as posted one.

 

If posible can you get back to me on the technicalities of trying to change supplier, as the threatning letters and arriving, also along with fears of disconnection.

Many Thanks

Scottlass

[pelham9]

You cannot change supplier whilst you owe British Gas Money. There are no grounds to force a change if you have not paid your bill.

 

You are contracted to them the moment you move in and use gas. A written contract is not needed and is a rareity these days.

 

You can ask to pay by instalments. The first thing you must do however is to check that your bills are calculated correctly.

 

The account is in dispute so they should not be making attempts to recover any amount.