Thanks for the replies.

maxsteam, BG told me they only send out a once yearly statement informing me of the units used - no prices or anything! I have to write to them to get a statement showing how much I have paid for/used.

MDG, thanks for the info re: checking for debt. I have done this and it has shown that i'm not paying anything back. I will ask them to confirm this in writing :)

I will also start looking round for a cheaper supplier!!

Smart card meters can have the tarriffs set though the card. so really your lucky it hasnt been picked up earlier . You can check if they are taking anything extra by putting your key in the meter and pressing the cycle display button. it will show any debt that they have set on the meter and also how much per week its being collected at.

I would also ask for them to put something in writing to confirm you dont have to pay any arrears back. I've seen many accounts where arrears sit there for years and it isnt until the person moves out that they are asked to pay it off.

I'm not sure on Bg's prices but i didn't think any companys offer duel fuel discounts on prepay customers but i could be wrong there!

You need to ask them to send you a bill every 3 months at least. If you've never had one, you should ask for one to be sent now. This will tell you how much you are paying per unit and it will also confirm that you aren't paying any arrears with your current usage.

I have recently had my 'smartcard' electricity meter changed to a 'key' meter by British Gas. This has resulted in a 100% increase in the amount of money I am having to pay each week! I rang BG, who then told me that my previous meter was charging me at a lower rate because the rates on that particular meter type had to be altered manually, and they hadn't done this.

They have said I will not have to pay them this 'undercharged' money back (how generous!) but the rate I am now paying is correct. However, I have read on some sites that a 'smartcard' meter can change the tariff with the chip on the card, so i'm not really sure what has gone on.

Also, as BG provide both my gas and electricity, does anyone know whether prepayment meters still entitle customers to a 'dual fuel' reduction, as this was my main reason for transferring to BG around 18 months ago? I don't think i'm getting a reduction - but then I don't get bills/statements either so who knows!