On 19/12/2023 16:33, Andy Walker wrote:
A family member owns commercial property, rented as offices. The tenant left in October; FM had the gas supply [which was unused] capped and
asked the gas company to remove the meter. GC, which is notorious for
slow responses, eventually replied and agreed subject to the payment of
their standard charge for that. FM paid the charge into her account and informed GC. GC said they would let her know when removal would take place. Several months on, she is still waiting; e-mails either go unanswered or receive "holding" responses. Meanwhile, GC is still
sending bills, including their standing charge of £2.50 + VAT per day,
which has therefore more than swallowed up the meter-removal charge.
They are now regularly reminding FM that her account is in debit and demanding payment.
I would have expected that once the supply had been capped
and meter-removal agreed, no further charges would be payable. There
is clearly no incentive to remove the meter if the company can continue
to receive income from it for no actual service. Of course, they don't respond to queries .... Is my expectation correct, or are energy
companies raking in millions every year simply by not doing anything?
It might be worthwhile checking for suppliers with low tariffs. In the
past some were no standing charge but I think all now charge. In my area
they go down to £77 per year for gas.
It might take many years for it to be worthwhile to remove the meter,
and zero tariffs might return in the meantime.
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