It appears that we have not been paying for electricity for some years - even though the electricity meter is regularly read. I think it stems from the time perhaps five years ago when we opted to change suppliers so that Scottish Power manweb would supply both gas and electricity.

What is the best way to approach this situation? It will perhaps soon become urgent as I am thinking of selling my house since my husband's recent death and the buyer would obviously require proof of payment of utilities accounts.

Viv,

This may seem to be an obvious point but with you saying that you get both your gas and electriicty from Scottish Power are you 100% sure that you haven't been paying for both as a dual fuel deal?

If this is the case you will receive one bill that will include both gas and electricity fees.

Let me know and we'll take it from there.

Regards,

Scott Byrom
moneysupermarket.com

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Regards,

Scott Byrom
Utilities Manager
moneysupermarket.com

Hi Scott

Looking at the bills, they do seem to refer to gas only - mention is made of electricity at all. Just "gas statement" and "gas charges".

On checking back, I have found a copy of a form which is headed "Meter Reading" saying that the electricity supply start date is 16 09 1999! The meter reading entered on the form is 88361 kWh. I just read the meter and it says 27627.6 (6 is in red). Don't know if any of this helps. I dread to think what must be owed. Any help you can give will be very welcome. Thank you.

Viv

Viv,

Have you entered your details in to our comparison tool to see if your current monthly payments may include gas and electricity?

If you use our site and go through the process of entering your details, you may be able to see if your gas bill is gas ONLY or gas and electric.

For example, if your monthly bill is about £80, then it is likely that you are paying both energy sources on a dual fuel bill. If your monthly bill is about £45, then it looks as though you are only paying for your gas.

When you use the comparison site, make sure you enter your details as accurately as possible. It's very straight forward so you shouldn't have any problems.

Let me know how you get on and we'll keep looking into this for you.

Regards,

Scott Byrom
moneysupermarket.com

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Regards,

Scott Byrom
Utilities Manager
moneysupermarket.com

Hi Scott

Couldn't really complete the comparison properly because I couldn't enter a sensible figure for electricity consumption. However, the monthly direct debit for gas was £65.50 last December - estimated yearly amount £1051.00. This may seem very high but we do have a gas-fire AGA which is on for 9 months (at least) of the year and I imagine it uses a lot of gas.

ANother thing I have noticed is that at the top of each communication from Scottish Power Manweb, the package is Premier Plus. Don't know if this is any help.

I remain convinced that we have not paid for any electricity for 7 years.

Regards
Viv

Viv,

My estimates for the monthly dual fuel figures have been based on assumptions we use on our site i.e. that your annual consumption is 20500kwh for gas and 3300kwh for electric. These are the national averages that our site takes into account where applicable.

The only other thing that I would say is that the onus, to a larger extent, is on your supplier to ensure that you are correctly billed for your energy consumption.

If you do have concerns with regards to whether or not you have been paying for your electricity then i can only advise that it may be appropriate to contact your supplier and explain your situation to them.

I hope I have been of some help.

Kind regards,

Scott Byrom
moneysupermarket.com

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Regards,

Scott Byrom
Utilities Manager
moneysupermarket.com