Gas Bill at £2106.42

[S Snowden]

Hi

I'm new here and hoping someone can help.

On submitting a gas meter reading my account is showing as being in debit of £2106.42. I live on my own in a privately rented flat (2 bedrooms). On querying the amount with my supplier it has come to light that since I moved in the supplier has the wrong meter serial number and has been reading my neighbours (also lives on own in a 2 bed). The meter on my neighbours is currently at 3332 and mine is 7906 - the meters were installed on the same date and she has lived here longer than me. The meter reading when I moved in was 1592 (October 2015).

My query is; how can my reading be more than double (it was only last week that I turned my heating on), I live on my own and work full time, also (a little shamed to admit) I rarely use my gas oven.

How would it be possible for our readings to be so different? Back in January I had no hot water so my landlord (who says he is corgi registered) came out and fixed the issue - could he have done something that would give me such a high reading/bill.

I have also been informed that there is no record of my meter on the national grid and that meter has not been serviced since I moved in 3 years ago.

Sorry I'm not able to give any technical information and appreciate what I am asking may not be a straight forward answer but any guidance would be greatly appreciate.

Thank you for reading.

 

[S Snowden]

Sorry, I forgot to add (if it helps) I have a feroli combi boiler.

 

[townfanjon]

Sorry, I forgot to add (if it helps) I have a feroli combi boiler.

You would need about 10/20 to get a gas bill like that .

 

[S Snowden]

Hi, thank you for replying. What does 10/20 mean?

 

[Harvest Fields]

Hi, thank you for replying. What does 10/20 mean?

10/20 of them. When was it last Serviced and when was the last time you had a tightness test completed?(checked for gas leaks)

 

[gmartine]

If your landlord is Gas Safe registered and therefore qualified to issue a saftey certificate I'd go to him.

 

[snowhead]

There's something wrong with those readings.

I've lived in my house, 2 bed semi, for 30 years since it was new and it's still got the original Gas meter.
My current meter reading is 9742.

I supsect that meter is reading the usage for all the flats combined.
How many are there.?

You need confirmation that only your gas usage is passing through that meter.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Can you get any pictures of the gas meters?

 

[Chuck]

I'm suspicious that the landlord has been up to something. Claiming to be 'Corgi Registered', (Corgi stopped registrations in 2009) and a meter that is not on record. Hmm...

Are there 'odd' billing arrangements for other utilities or Council Tax?

 

[Murdoch]

May be consider this before it gets colder ........ turn off the boiler , take gas reading, turn boiler back on after 24 hours ..................check meter reading

Then you'll know if gas is being registered with your boiler off..

 

[Harvest Fields]

I'm suspicious that the landlord has been up to something. Claiming to be 'Corgi Registered', (Corgi stopped registrations in 2009) and a meter that is not on record. Hmm...

Are there 'odd' billing arrangements for other utilities or Council Tax?

Could be anything. As requested can you get pictures of the meters please. Could be using yours as a primary.

 

[Vicdiy]

Sorry, I forgot to add (if it helps) I have a feroli combi boiler.

Are you absolutely sure that you are reading the meter correctly. I once read my electric meter which has an led display and missed a . between the last two numbers. I couldn't even see it with my glasses on so used a magnifying glass.

 

[Chalked]

If the supplier has been reading your neighbors and billing you for that ( I presume you have paid?)
Then those payments should be deducted from your total.
It sounds like your meter hasn’t been read for 3 years
Also if that is true. Has your neighbor had no gas bill?

 

[S Snowden]

10/20 of them. When was it last Serviced and when was the last time you had a tightness test completed?(checked for gas leaks)

Hi, thank you for replying. I've spoken to my landlord today who has confirmed that a service was carried out on 22/01/2018 and included a tightness test. I was under the impression that the service was only on the boiler but would he have done the meter too?

He is not the most approachable person (I've had a bad, upsetting experience with a previous landlord and don't like to question) and he has told me he will send a copy of the paperwork when he returns from holiday...although didn't say when this was.

 

[S Snowden]

If your landlord is Gas Safe registered and therefore qualified to issue a saftey certificate I'd go to him.

Thank you, I've have asked for this today and he says he will get it to me when he is back from holiday.

 

[S Snowden]

There's something wrong with those readings.

I've lived in my house, 2 bed semi, for 30 years since it was new and it's still got the original Gas meter.
My current meter reading is 9742.

I supsect that meter is reading the usage for all the flats combined.
How many are there.?

You need confirmation that only your gas usage is passing through that meter.

Hi, thank you. This information has helped to understand it with another example of another reading - thank you. There are 3 flats in total above a hairdressers and a café. The middle flat is prepaid the my other neighbour is the one with the serial number my supplier has.

Sorry if this is a daft question; how would I find if only my gas is passing through?

 

[S Snowden]

Can you get any pictures of the gas meters?

Hi, thank you for replying. I hope this can help (and has attached correctly.

 

[S Snowden]

Hi, thank you for replying. I hope this can help (and has attached correctly.

Shows a red cross on the attachment so I'm going to try again...sorry.

 

[S Snowden]

10/20 of them. When was it last Serviced and when was the last time you had a tightness test completed?(checked for gas leaks)

Hi, landlord said he did it all on the 22/01/2018 which having checked my previous text messages was 2 days before he came out to continue trying to fix the issue with my hot water. From memory (as don't have a text message to confirm) it was another day or 2 before I had hot water. Not sure if this extra information is relevant but at loss and appreciate you helping me.

 

[S Snowden]

Can you get any pictures of the gas meters?

I've attached one and (fingers crossed) looks like it has worked. Thank you.

 

[S Snowden]

I'm suspicious that the landlord has been up to something. Claiming to be 'Corgi Registered', (Corgi stopped registrations in 2009) and a meter that is not on record. Hmm...

Are there 'odd' billing arrangements for other utilities or Council Tax?

Hi, sorry it could been me that has named it wrong. He has confirmed that it has been serviced and is going to arrange for the paperwork to be sent to me (when he is back from holiday).

I'm not aware of any other 'odd' billing arrangements.

 

[S Snowden]

May be consider this before it gets colder . turn off the boiler , take gas reading, turn boiler back on after 24 hours .....check meter reading

Then you'll know if gas is being registered with your boiler off..

HI, thank you so much for this suggestion. I'm doing it from tonight to tomorrow...I haven't switched my heating back on since Monday when I spoke to the supplier so the only gas I should be using is to heat the water. Luckily I have a sister who lives nearby who is going to let me use her bathroom facilities 🙂

 

[S Snowden]

Are you absolutely sure that you are reading the meter correctly. I once read my electric meter which has an led display and missed a . between the last two numbers. I couldn't even see it with my glasses on so used a magnifying glass.

Hi, thank you for replying. Yes unfortunately - I have even supplied pictures to the supplier which is how we found out that they have my neighbours serial number on my account.

 

[S Snowden]

If the supplier has been reading your neighbors and billing you for that ( I presume you have paid?)

It sounds like your meter hasn’t been read for 3 years
Also if that is true. Has your neighbor had no gas bill?

Hi, thank you for replying. I have being paying £29 per month which I guess is based on her usage, not mine. Before I submitted my reading (the scary 7K one) it showed I was in credit which the have deducted from the £2000+ that shows I owe. They have requested a charter back bill as they have admitted that it is their error for reading the wrong meter.

I would have assumed neighbour has had a bill (she seems very honest). I've not yet been able to speak to her but would hope that she is paying the same as me (£29).

 

[snowhead]

Stacey, "Your meter" in the picture is outside?
Are there any other meters outside?

 

[S Snowden]

Hi, thank you for replying. I have being paying £29 per month which I guess is based on her usage, not mine. Before I submitted my reading (the scary 7K one) it showed I was in credit which the have deducted from the £2000+ that shows I owe. They have requested a charter back bill as they have admitted that it is their error for reading the wrong meter.

I would have assumed neighbour has had a bill (she seems very honest). I've not yet been able to speak to her but would hope that she is paying the same as me (£29).

Suppliers have said they cannot guarantee this chartered back bill will be authorised.

 

[S Snowden]

Stacey, "Your meter" in the picture is outside?
Are there any other meters outside?

Hi, yes all are outside. The café one (which is what I live above) is next to mine and the others are in the other side of the court yard (neighbour whose meter they have been reading) and the hairdressers. I think my other neighbour is on a prepaid meter.

 

[Gasmk1]

i had a problem not the same but it was a new build and all paperwork passed to suppliers when we move in i phoned and emailed the suppliers for over a year as i had not had a bill eventually they came out and took all the details then landed me with an £800.00 bill which i refused to pay and sent complaints into the energy auditor off power or ga swhatever it was they came down on my side and the supplier agreed they had been neglectful and had not given good serice and reduced the bill by £200.00. i also reused to pay all at once as it was their fault to whuich they agreed. so argue like crazy and report the situation the the energy auditor.

 

[Gasmk1]

Complain about your gas or electricity bill or supplier

 

[Harvest Fields]

Bet they have the meters muddled still

 

[snowhead]

Bet they have the meters muddled still

I've been thinking that, but the GSR-Landlord would have identified the correct meter when he did tightness, assuming he did it back to the meter..

A question to Stacey, is your Landlord the owner of all the flats and shops or does he just own the flats?

I'm thinking that if he's tightness tested all the units then he should be confident which meter is which.
Leaving the only other possibility that the Gas meter is faulty.

 

[S Snowden]

Hi, thank you - again. Yes he owns all the flats, hairdressers and cafe.

When I spoke to SSE on Monday they had me turn off the gas from my meter (the crazy meter reading meter) and it did turn it off as I couldn’t use the burners on the oven.

I’ve just checked with my neighbour - she is with British Gas and has lived here a few months longer than me. My first bill (with neighbours serial no on) was with British Gas so is it possible for them to have 2 customers with the same meter serial number?? You’d think the system would highlight a duplicate.

 

[S Snowden]

i had a problem not the same but it was a new build and all paperwork passed to suppliers when we move in i phoned and emailed the suppliers for over a year as i had not had a bill eventually they came out and took all the details then landed me with an £800.00 bill which i refused to pay and sent complaints into the energy auditor off power or ga swhatever it was they came down on my side and the supplier agreed they had been neglectful and had not given good serice and reduced the bill by £200.00. i also reused to pay all at once as it was their fault to whuich they agreed. so argue like crazy and report the situation the the energy auditor.

Hi, thank you for replying. SSE have raised a complaint and so I have. They’ve also requested a charter back bill so hopefully I won’t have to pay. If this is not the case then I will definitely be taking your advice, thank you.

My main concern (once the payment disagreement is resolved) that if it’s not determined why I have such a high reading that my monthly bill will be in the region of £95 (as quoted by SSE).

I have asked for a engineer/gas person to visit to check the meter but they are saying they can’t until the national grid is updated/my meter serial number matches my account. This I was told can take up to 10 days.

Thank you again for your help.

 

[S Snowden]

Hi, thank you - again. Yes he owns all the flats, hairdressers and cafe.

When I spoke to SSE on Monday they had me turn off the gas from my meter (the crazy meter reading meter) and it did turn it off as I couldn’t use the burners on the oven.

I’ve just checked with my neighbour - she is with British Gas and has lived here a few months longer than me. My first bill (with neighbours serial no on) was with British Gas so is it possible for them to have 2 customers with the same meter serial number?? You’d think the system would highlight a duplicate.

I've been thinking that, but the GSR-Landlord would have identified the correct meter when he did tightness, assuming he did it back to the meter..

A question to Stacey, is your Landlord the owner of all the flats and shops or does he just own the flats?

I'm thinking that if he's tightness tested all the units then he should be confident which meter is which.
Leaving the only other possibility that the Gas meter is faulty.

Hi, please can I ask another question - on running the hot water the numbers in the red section of the meter are increasing 2 and 3 numbers at a time - should it do this?
Thank you

 

[Harvest Fields]

Hi, please can I ask another question - on running the hot water the numbers in the red section of the meter are increasing 2 and 3 numbers at a time - should it do this?
Thank you

No. It should be a smooth circle.

 

[S Snowden]

No. It should be a smooth circle.

Thank you for getting back to me so soon - I do appreciate your help.

On my original post I asked if the high reading could relate to me not having any hot water at the beginning of the year - my landlord took weeks to fix but never said exactly what the fix was (not that I would have probably understood) but could the high meter reading be related?

 

[oz-plumber]

No. The meter should only read the gas consumed when gas is being used.

 

[S Snowden]

No. The meter should only read the gas consumed when gas is being used.

Hi, thank you for replying. Daft question, I’m sure - gas will be being used when I am running the hot water (I have a combi boiler)? Should it use gas when I’m not running any hot water?

After the landlord fixed the water issue (back in Jan) the water is now scalding (mainly in the kitchen). Could a setting of higher water temperature use more gas?

Thank you - again

 

[Last Plumber]

Hi, please can I ask another question - on running the hot water the numbers in the red section of the meter are increasing 2 and 3 numbers at a time - should it do this?
Thank you

Yes. It will skip numbers when using gas as the electronic digital display on your Meter type works of an electronic pulse. Therefore it will appear to jump. The random counting it does is not an indication of a fault.

 

[Harvest Fields]

No. When you are not using anything the dials on the meter should not go around

 

[Harvest Fields]

Yes. It will skip numbers when using gas as the electronic digital display on your Meter type works of an electronic pulse. Therefore it will appear to jump. The random counting it does is not an indication of a fault.

My bad. Sorry. Didn’t see the picture of the digital meter.

 

[Last Plumber]

Should it use gas when I’m not running any hot water?

Only if the Heating is on or you have another Gas appliance using Gas.

 

[Last Plumber]

My bad. Sorry. Didn’t see the picture of the digital meter.

I knew that! The light shines upon it. I had to look three times to make sure I was right before I opened my mouth.

 

[oz-plumber]

Hotter water temp would use more gas, but nothing in the range of what you state your gas bill is.

Going through the thread, maybe you should ask the gas supplier when was the last time they read the meter before you moved in, also ask them for a billing history on the meter.
You may be paying the bill for someone who lived there before you.

 

[Harvest Fields]

I knew that! The light shines upon it. I had to look three times to make sure I was right before I opened my mouth.

And hence there is my problem😀

 

[S Snowden]

And hence there is my problem😀

So sorry, I took several photos to try to stop the glare ☹️

 

[S Snowden]

Hotter water temp would use more gas, but nothing in the range of what you state your gas bill is.

Going through the thread, maybe you should ask the gas supplier when was the last time they read the meter before you moved in, also ask them for a billing history on the meter.
You may be paying the bill for someone who lived there before you.

Hi, thank you for replying. I have a photo of the meter reading when I moved in 3 years ago and it was at 1579. From speaking to SSE I don’t think anyone from their company has looked at it as they’ve been reading my neighbours with the serial number they have on my account. I have one bill from British Gas - I was with them awhile when I first moved in (they also had the wrong serial number). My usage on the BG bill was Oct 15 - 01560 to Feb 16 - 01796.

I do have an online account with SSE but the previous readings on there are what they taken from my neighbours meter.

Hope I’m making sense - it’s all very confusing.

My neighbours meter reading is 3332 - the meters were installed on the same day and she has lived their longer than me.

 

[gmartine]

So this problem is in hand? The utility company know they've been reading the wrong meter and you've given them the correct reading and serial number from the correct meter so you don't have to pay the wrong bill but will eventually pay the correct one?

Edit...by the way a utility company cannot back-bill you for energy use over 12 months ago

 

[S Snowden]

So this problem is in hand? The utility company know they've been reading the wrong meter and you've given them the correct reading and serial number from the correct meter so you don't have to pay the wrong bill but will eventually pay the correct one?

Edit...by the way a utility company cannot back-bill you for energy use over 12 months ago

I’m waiting for SSE to advise if a chartered back bill has been authorised. They have admitted it’s there fault but I’m at a loss as to why my reading is so high - me and my neighbour live on our own, work all day, rarely use our heating and have a massive difference in readings - she’s lived there longer and the meters were installed on the same day.

Thank you again

 

[gmartine]

So the back-bill when it arrives will be excessive, what did the utility company say about that?

 

[S Snowden]

So the back-bill when it arrives will be excessive, what did the utility company say about that?

I was led to believe that the chartered back bill was to clear the 2 thousand pound bill as I’ve been paying £29 per month (but based on neighbours usage/readings). I take it chartered back bill is not this? I have emailed proof that I sent them the correct serial number but they said it wasn’t on the national grid so sent them the number that was on my first BG bill (which unbeknown to me was my neighbours). I am refusing to pay until it’s determined why my reading is so high....they’ve said they can’t send anyone out until national grid is updated but that can take up to 10 days. I’ve sent numerous emails and don’t know what else to do to be honest. Since Monday I’ve not used my heating or oven as worried the readings is going to keep increasing.

Can I ask, would it be worthwhile me speaking to National Grid?

What if there is a leak and they are refusing to come out until national grid is updated.

 

[Gasmk1]

you need to speak to ofgem and get the complaints procedure rolling

 

[S Snowden]

you need to speak to ofgem and get the complaints procedure rolling

Thank you. To be honest I wanted to give them chance to deal with it (and thought I had to allow them time) but you’re right and I will - numerous emails have been sent and I haven’t had one response. Thanks again for the advise and the link

 

[snowhead]

What if there is a leak and they are refusing to come out until national grid is updated.

If anyone reports a gas leak they have to attend and do.
It makes no difference whether they have the meter recorded. It could be an old capped supply with no meter.

I've worked on commercial buildings with no gas supply where the occupants have reported a gas smell, National Grid or whoever for the area Always attend

 

[S Snowden]

Who is responsible for registering the meter with the national grid? Thank you

 

[snowhead]

Who is responsible for registering the meter with the national grid? Thank you

The Energy supplier, as it's they who own the meter.

 

[S Snowden]

The Energy supplier, as it's they who own the meter.

Ah thank you - I’ve just spoken to SSE and they informed me it’s the landlord. The chartered back bill has been rejected as it was done too soon. All they they seemed bothered about is correcting the mix up relating to the bill amount not that it’s a very high reading and determining why. Also been told that the person who is dealing with this issue is not in until Tuesday. Will definitely be changing suppliers once this is resolved.

Recommendations welcome

 

[snowhead]

Just to reinforce my last post if SSE continue to say it's the Landlords responsibility;

A quote from the Database site,
https://www.xoserve.com/index.php/about-us/

How do I change my Meter Information?
Unfortunately, Xoserve is unable to update your address details directly. Xoserve holds the gas supply point register (national database) on behalf of the Gas Transporters which is updated by gas suppliers using electronic data files. If a supplier identifies that a customer address/meter is incorrect then they should submit a request to Xoserve in order for details to be corrected.

 

[S Snowden]

Just to reinforce my last post if SSE continue to say it's the Landlords responsibility;

A quote from the Database site,
https://www.xoserve.com/index.php/about-us/

How do I change my Meter Information?
Unfortunately, Xoserve is unable to update your address details directly. Xoserve holds the gas supply point register (national database) on behalf of the Gas Transporters which is updated by gas suppliers using electronic data files. If a supplier identifies that a customer address/meter is incorrect then they should submit a request to Xoserve in order for details to be corrected.

Thank you, I have been looking on their website this afternoon but just confused me.

Is there a way I can double check that I’m still not registered?

When I’ve just spoken to supplier she was shocked to learn that it’s not on the national grid even though I have sent them an email from a member of their team informing me of this.

 

[S Snowden]

Just to reinforce my last post if SSE continue to say it's the Landlords responsibility;

A quote from the Database site,
https://www.xoserve.com/index.php/about-us/

How do I change my Meter Information?
Unfortunately, Xoserve is unable to update your address details directly. Xoserve holds the gas supply point register (national database) on behalf of the Gas Transporters which is updated by gas suppliers using electronic data files. If a supplier identifies that a customer address/meter is incorrect then they should submit a request to Xoserve in order for details to be corrected.

Hi, I’ve spoken to supplier today and again asked the question of ‘has my meter not been looked at for the last 3 years’ and was advised that every 6 months engineers look at all meters in their area even if they do not work for the supplier that provides the gas. Is this correct? I have in my head a picture of seven dwarves doing the checks from the goodness of their heart 🙄

 

[Murdoch]

Out of interest how many of your “old” bills have you got ?

 

[S Snowden]

Out of interest how many of your “old” bills have you got ?

Hi, just the one from British Gas. Can I ask, why you’ve asked? I’ve been asked to take meter readings for the next 5 days.

 

[Murdoch]

Hi, just the one from British Gas. Can I ask, why you’ve asked? I’ve been asked to take meter readings for the next 5 days.

Historic bills would show consumption over time ........... and whether they were using estimated or actual readings

 

[S Snowden]

Historic bills would show consumption over time .. and whether they were using estimated or actual readings

It’s a quarterly bill where I submitted the reading on me moving in and the final reading (one that I gave current supplier). Could 3 months usage be helpful for me to submit the the supplier do you think? Thank you again for replying.

 

[Murdoch]

It’s a quarterly bill where I submitted the reading on me moving in and the final reading (one that I gave current supplier). Could 3 months usage be helpful for me to submit the the supplier do you think? Thank you again for replying.

That depends on what the 3 months consumption says

How long have you been in this flat?

 

[S Snowden]

That depends on what the 3 months consumption says

How long have you been in this flat?

Hi, sorry for late reply - for some reason I didn’t receive an alert. I’ve lived in the flat 3 years.

I’ve been asked to take readings from the supplier every day until Sunday - the reading is going up by one everyday. I have not had the heating on everyday neither have I cooked everyday...not sure if this reading sounds about right??

 

[gmartine]

I’ve been asked to take readings from the supplier every day until Sunday - the reading is going up by one everyday. I have not had the heating on everyday neither have I cooked everyday...not sure if this reading sounds about right??

If you're not using any gas appliances the meter should not be showing any increase but it is, that is what you should be communicating to your supplier.