Ask our Expert

Can my supplier charge me for backdated estimated bills?

Our expert says...

Thanks for contacting us about your billing dispute with British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk). Unfortunately your supplier is within its right to charge you for backdated estimated bills if it feels you have been underpaying.

In this situation, the first thing I would suggest would be to contact your energy supplier. Call British Gas customer services on 0800 048 0202 and ask them directly the amount you’re being charged and whether this is correct.

If you feel that you have been overcharged, you need to gather together as much evidence as you can to back up your case. This includes previous bills, receipts of payment (such as bank slips or cheque stubs), and any meter readings you have. You can then file your case with British Gas’ complaints department:

British Gas
PO BOX 3054
Eastbourne
BN21 9FD

Read more advice below…

Contact your supplier

The first thing you need to do is contact your energy supplier and confirm the amount that you owe them. There may have been an error with the bill, as these letters are often automated.

Phone your supplier on the customer services number below:

Arrange a payment plan with your supplier

If you find that you do owe the amount in question, it is possible to arrange a payment plan with your supplier, to spread the amount you owe over a few months. British Gas says they may be able to do the following:

• Arrange for you to pay your bill by instalments at an agreed rate
• Agree on a more suitable payment method or tariff
• If you’re on benefits, collect a weekly amount directly from your benefits (you should contact your Benefits Agency prior to arranging this with British Gas)
• Provide you with advice on how to reduce your energy consumption.

For more information, read British Gas’ advice on payment methods.

Avoid estimated billing

You should always try and give your supplier an actual meter reading, rather than let them estimate your energy consumption. Energy watchdog Consumer Focus predicts that up to a third of all bills could be inaccurate due to estimated meter readings, with suppliers regularly overestimating and setting payments too high.

By taking regular meter readings, your supplier should be able to predict usage more accurately. If your bills are currently estimated, consider signing up to paperless e-billing. With e-billing you will manage your account online and put in your own regular meter readings. Paperless billing means you’ll eliminate the risk of over or underpaying on estimated bills, and help you save on your bills.

There are other ways you can cut your fuel bills too. Read our guide on saving money on your gas and electricity for more information. Hope this advice is of help Lizzie and you can arrange a payment plan with British Gas.

Ask us a question

If you have an energy query please email ourexpert@energychoices.co.uk

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