Energy company created account and billed me without my knowledge.

[E-com_K]

Hi,

I started renting an industrial unit in September 2016. I have been paying electricity since I moved in as I only use electricity (the gas is shut off at the wall and isn't directly connected to any functioning gas appliances). I received a welcome letter from a gas company, who apparently supplied the previous tenant, stating that as I am out of contract I am paying out of contract rates. I emailed them to state that I do not use gas, but they advised me that I must pay standing charges as my unit has gas connected to it.

I then received a bill for £127 which covers the period of when my lease started, up until mid January. So the bill covers approximately the last 4 months. I contacted them again as I thought this amount was for estimated gas usage, but I was shocked to find out that this amount is only standing charges for this period.

I believe that this company should not have created an account without my permission and shouldn't be charging me rates that I am not even aware of. Their welcome letter did not state any rates at all. My question is, do they have a right to do this? And what should I do about it?

Thanks.

 

[nelioneil]

It is a deemed contract so they are allowed by law to create a contract between the company and them. Standing charge has to be charged even if you use no gas as the gas mains is still connected.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

ask for the pipe to be sealed as no longer used

 

[14Steve14]

Try explaining to the company that you never used any gas, and wish the meter to be removed. They may or may not lower the bill, but they should come and cap the supply and take away the meter. Failing that, refuse to pay and let them come and disconnect you.

 

[Deleted member 226268]

A legalised rip-off.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/consumers/...-guide/understand-energy-contracts-businesses

 

[E-com_K]

I told the gas company that I don't use any gas, and they explained that I must pay a standing charge or pay to get the meter removed. Another problem is that the landlord doesn't even have a valid safety certificate for the gas so I don't even know if it is safe to use. This makes it even more annoying, to be paying a standing charge for something which may not even be safe if I were to use it. When I moved in to the unit I asked the landlord for an electricity and gas check to be done, and as the gas check still hasn't been done yet I didn't expect to be receiving a bill for it as it can't be safely used. Would this not then be up to the landlord to have the gas check completed before I can be liable for any gas bill, or for the landlord to have the meter completely removed instead?

 

[14Steve14]

I used to work as a debt collector and warrant officer for utility debts and this is the one big question I always used to get from occupiers of a commercial premises. I dont use it, so I dont have to pay.

If the bill is in your name then you are liable and responsible regardless of whether you use any gas or if its safe. There is either an implied contract with the supplier, or an actual agreement with a supplier. Its up to you to organise to get the meter removed or the service capped if you are not using it. Even if you turn the gas off at the meter, you still have to pay the standing charge (meter rental). What ever you do, do not disconnect the supply yourself.

 

[UKSBD]

I told the gas company that I don't use any gas, and they explained that I must pay a standing charge or pay to get the meter removed. Another problem is that the landlord doesn't even have a valid safety certificate for the gas so I don't even know if it is safe to use. This makes it even more annoying, to be paying a standing charge for something which may not even be safe if I were to use it. When I moved in to the unit I asked the landlord for an electricity and gas check to be done, and as the gas check still hasn't been done yet I didn't expect to be receiving a bill for it as it can't be safely used. Would this not then be up to the landlord to have the gas check completed before I can be liable for any gas bill, or for the landlord to have the meter completely removed instead?

As Judge Judy would say - Take it up with the Landlord!