Lol, thanks, that was my plan. I'm also going to ask them how they've taken into account, for the whole year, the fact that its winter and I'm spending more time indoors and using more electricity as its darker earlier. ;-)

If you don't want to get involved in solicitors bills (and none of us do) I would advise you to go to the Citizens Advice Bureau and let them check this out with their legal department. It sounds as if you are in a very strong position but remember, their argument is always going to be that you are currently purposefully cutting down on your usages to bring the historic debt down. Nice and friendly with the accounts staff you are dealing with on the phone to negotiate the lowest bill and then hit them with a 'you are broke' plea and that you will need to pay by a monthly standing order!

Good luck.

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?