British Gas came to read the meter at my sisters new shop which was being renovated - they terminated the gas supply because "they had reason to believe that an offence of illegal interference had been committed under the Gas Act 1986". They said a giving us a new meter would cost. £250 'investigation fee' + £390 'meter work fee' a total of £640!

At the same time National Grid contacted her saying they wanted to replace the meter for free under the gas meter exchange programme. They said the meter belonged to them not British Gas so BG should not have taken it.

Today I was given 16 consecutive different phone numbers to call each time having to repeat the address references etc etc (this included two that didn't exist and two mobile phone numbers of BG field officers). At the end of that thread I have National Grid saying the meter was theirs but that only a gas provider can order a brand new one. They can only exchange a new meter for an old one. British Gas are saying they had to remove the meter as it could be evidence of a crime but that they 'demolished' it when they decided not to press charges.British Gas will only order a new one if paid £640.

I tried to investigate what the "illegal intereference" was. Apparently the boxing in around the meter had damaged a dial so it was pretty obvious charges would not be pressed. The original field officer was sexist and patronising to my sister and the whole situation has been a bit of a nightmare for her.

What should we do next? Any tips much appreciated, even if a new meter has to be paid for I'd rather BG don't get the money!