I moved into my current rented property in July 06. I took gas and electricity readings and opened accounts for both utilities with British gas.

Unfortunately I do not have the original electricity reading for July 06.

I have been receiving my gas bill but did not realise I had not received any electricity bill. I received a letter from British gas in December 08 apologising for the delay and that I would shortly receive my first electricity bill. The letter went on to say due to the delay I would not be charged for any energy used over a year ago. (a legal requirement I believe?)

I have now received my first electricity bill;

9 Aug 06 - estimated reading 00000

16 Dec 08 - estimated reading 09961

In between these dates each quarter was estimated the final bill is;

Electricity you've used - £1055.96

Dual fuel discount - £33.43

VAT at 5% - £51.12

Your adjustment - £588.32 (credit for energy used over a year ago)

Total to pay - £485.33

I contacted British gas and after assuring them a new meter was not installed, so ALL their estimations were fictitious, and the bill was no fit for consideration I suggested I either pay £200 as a gesture of good will or they use my current reading and then take another in a months time to give them an idea of my consumption. They agreed to take my actual reading of 87236 and call me back in 2/3 weeks for another reading (they actually sent out an inspector the same day to take a reading) and use this for the previous years bill.

Although I'm not displeased with the situation having to only pay a years worth of electricity for almost 2.5 years but I was wondering where I stand legally as British gas has failed in their responsibilities to even take any meter readings in the whole 2.5yrs and supply bills?