New Gas Supply

[Storeship]

I have been in premises for 14 months now and keep getting bills from British Gas, i dont use gas at the premises and are not in a contract with anyone for gas.
I have received a call from British Gas now saying that i am on a deemed contract with them and they no longer will refund standing charges.
I have told them i have no contract with them and will not be paying anything, i have also sent them an invoice for my time involved dealing with them.
I have agreed no contract with anyone, i dont use gas so what legal right do they have to send me a bill etc?
Also they have told me that to stop receiving bills i must get the meter removed at my expense of which of course i have told them where to go!!
Any advice would be well received.

 

[NickGrogan]

If there is a gas supply in the building and you rent or own the building then you are liable for the supply. If you're not using any gas at all, then you should only be getting billed for the standing charge.

As they have said, if you want the gas meter/supply removed this is your choice, in the same way as if you wanted a new gas supply added.

First thing to look at is whether you've actually been charged for gas used, and confirm that you're not using any, then look at switching suppliers to one with no standing charge.

PM me if you want more details.

 

[Storeship]

Thanks for your reply Nick, i dont understand if i have no contract with them and dont use any supply why i should pay?
We have never used any gas and previously we have called them and they have just refunded the standing charge.
Surely if i just refused to pay and they tried to take me to court, i dont see how they could warrant that with no contract or agreement in place with me.

 

[Davef]

Don't know why they have always refunded in the past but as Nick says if there is a gas supply connected to the premises you will always be charged a standing charge regardless of whether or not you use the supply.

You don't say if the premises are rented or owned. If rented speak to the landlord for advice. If owned then speak to British Gas about disconnecting the supply.

If you are a member of the FSB you could always give their Legal line a call or if not speak to the Citizens Advice perhaps.

 

[Storeship]

The premises are rented, thanks for your reply.

 

[NickGrogan]

If you are the occupier of the business property and there is gas and/electricity meter there and you haven't agreed a contract, you will be on what is called a deemed contract

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/business-consumers/energy-contracts-businesses

Otherwise, you could move in, use as much gas or power as you like, and since you haven't signed a contract, never pay. This clearly wouldn't be fair.

As there is a meter which is attached to the gas supply, then there is a contract, you are liable and British Gas could chase the debt. They could also disconnect the meter and charge you for it. I guess that they have written off the charges before, simply because the amounts involved are too small to make sense chasing. As to why they have changed their mind now, who knows.

It is comparable to business rates; if your site has parking spaces they will increase your rates bill whether you use them or not.

I would look at changing to a zero standing charge contract if you can find one that will take you, or having the meter removed.

 

[tony84]

You will have to pay the standing charge.
If you do not use gas, then you can either get ti switched off and the meter removed or you can switch provider to one who has no or low(er) standing charges.

Biling them for your time is ridiculous and just a waste of your time.