I am so glad to see this thread. I also have requested a meter reading check but the gas company refuses to do so and there seems to be nothing I can do about it. I have no choice beyond this particular company. You all seem to be talking about solutions in UK. I don't know what the solutions are in USA. Utility companies have us over a barrel and they know it. We can't do without their product. So, we have to pay them whatever they say we owe. Ah well, some day things will even out. Chin up!