Faulty Meter = Wrong Bill

[paulrockliffe]

Evening,

 

I recently received a gas bill that seemed very high as during the bill period I had only had a pilot light on my boiler on and nothing else. I checked the meter reading and it was 1100. But a reading in April was 6500ish. I've sent this information to the supplier and am waiting for a response.

 

If there's a fault with the meter, how do they work out what I should pay? My understanding would be that they would have to proove the gas that had been used. If they can't then they can't enforce any payment through the courts.

 

Is that correct? What should I do about all this? Any ideas?

 

Cheer!

[MikeBigg]

I think it would be reasonable for them to use an estimate based on previous usage.

 

Mike

[ATD]

If there's a fault with the meter, how do they work out what I should pay? My understanding would be that they would have to proove the gas that had been used. If they can't then they can't enforce any payment through the courts.

 

Is that correct? What should I do about all this? Any ideas?

 

Cheer!

 

Is the meter still over registering?

 

If it is, or you believe it to be faulty, then your supplier can arrange for the meter to be tested. It will be taken out and sent away for independent tests to check it's accuracy.

 

If the tests prove that the meter is registering correctly, then you will be charged for this test.

 

If the meter is proven to be inaccurate, both you and the supplier will receive details of the % inaccuracy from the testing authority. The supplier will then be obliged to adjust your bill by this %.

 

With regard to enforcing and having to prove the gas has been "used", unfortunately this is not correct. Say for example you had a gas leak at your property, from pipework that was after the meter. You would not have "used" this gas - but it has passed through the meter and you would be liable for payment. Most suppliers would negotiate something, but nonetheless you would still have to pay.