United Utilities meter not working!

[johno23]

Hi All

 

Apparantly my water meter has not worked for two years.

 

They have decided to estimate my usage for the two years and have now sent a revised bill.

 

It started when I was in credit by several hundred pounds and asked for a payment of my credited funds.

 

They have now changed my water meter and sent me a new bill where I now owe them several hundred pounds.

 

Can they do this?

 

Whose reponsibility is it to check the water meter regularly that it works and to read the meter.

 

Also can they estimate the usage for the whole two years.

 

Appreciate as always the sound advice received!

 

Johno

[PGH7447]

Hi All

 

Apparantly my water meter has not worked for two years. so how did they bill you

 

They have decided to estimate my usage for the two years and have now sent a revised bill. based on what

 

It started when I was in credit by several hundred pounds and asked for a payment of my credited funds.

 

They have now changed my water meter and sent me a new bill where I now owe them several hundred pounds. I would query this if you have been paying a set amount and was in credit that it suddenly turns into a debit

 

Can they do this? I would say No but then I dont really know

 

Whose reponsibility is it to check the water meter regularly that it works and to read the meter. Them when they come and do a meter reading, are you a qualified Plumber!! meter reader

 

Also can they estimate the usage for the whole two years. No I dont think they can

 

Appreciate as always the sound advice received!

 

Johno

 

I would get OFWAT involved

 

Ofwat::Ofwat home page

[maroondevo52]

Thread moved to appropriate Forum.

[johno23]

They have been sending me an estimate bill for two years.

 

When they have put in a new water meter they have waited a month and then estimated my bill from the last two years, from my usage from this month.

 

Can they do this!

 

So any suggestions what i should do!

[PGH7447]

considering that this month was one of the hottest for 2 years then your bill could well be out of kilter with the rest of the year so I would contest this estimation

[johno23]

Cheers all

 

Are you saying a should get a reduction in the amount they are asking or can the amount be reduced to zero due to their responsibility of not reading my meter.

 

Is it true that they can also only expect an estimation for twelve months and not two years

[PGH7447]

I understand that they can only go back a year but not 100% sure on this point

[johno23]

Does anyone else know if they can go back twelve months

 

thanks

[johno23]

I have just received a bill of £1000, I am so gutted.

 

If anyone has any advice or ideas on how a can get this bill reduced due to the water meter not working, I would really appreciate it.

 

Really annoyed that they can just send you a large bill and you are expected to pay as they seem to think they can estimate the bill for the length of time the water meter was not working.

 

Does anyone have any legal points that you only have to pay for a maximum of twelve months if your meter is not working or what info I may be able to use to get the bill reduced.

 

Would like to add that i have no problem in paying for water I have used, but feel it is there mistake and responsibility to read the meter regularly. I have always paid, what they have asked for.

 

Many Thanks

[cerberusalert]

Make a complaint to OFWAT Ofwat::Consumer Issues::Complaints::Complaints

[johno23]

Thanks again Cerbs

 

What do you think my points are for complaining?

[cerberusalert]

Just explain the situation as it is.

 

Incidently is your meter outside? Because if it is I cannot see how you can be held responsible for it anyway. It's their property so it should be down to them that it functions correctly and is accurate.

 

See also http://www.ccwater.org.uk/server.php?show=nav.118

[Clare_L]

Backbilling one year only applies to the gas/electric utility companies I believe and not the water companies.