British Gas

And it keeps on coming!!

Just been reading a bit about this, Apparently if you wait for a paper bill then pay it, instead of using DD, you pay on average about 7% more than DD users.

Just saying...

Dickens

volver

Och, I said I was on a hiding to nothing...

But what we are hearing is that there is a way for BG or anybody else to reduce costs, but some people won't engage because they want to keep their own money in their own bank and use antiquated ways of paying for things.

I get interest on any credit in my Ovo account, 3% I think. Its definitely more than I'd get from a bank. Things aren't always as straightforward as people think.

Each payment method has its advantages and disadvantages - for both the company and the customer.

I have chosen the one that suits me.

Having once been 'bitten' by the DD method - I'm not keen to use it again. Antiquated or not, I'll continue to pay for what I use - perusing the bills, I've been able to reduce them. One size does not fit all, which is why the companies still allow for the moment, the choice.

I keep track of my usage on my Ovo dashboard. I can check my daily amount and compare it with last year's usage. I get a childish pleasure from beating my target of using less than last year. Unfortunately, I can also compare costs and I'm always paying more for less :-(.

My financial situation means I couldn't cope with an unexpected big hit, so I'm happy to build up a credit over the summer and know that the winter bills won't be such a shock.

volver

Och, I said I was on a hiding to nothing...

But what we are hearing is that there is a way for BG or anybody else to reduce costs, but some people won't engage because they want to keep their own money in their own bank and use antiquated ways of paying for things.

I get interest on any credit in my Ovo account, 3% I think. Its definitely more than I'd get from a bank. Things aren't always as straightforward as people think.

Same here! Apparently they even check whether people are using their energy account as a "savings account" because it pays better interest than banks.

Patsy70

Thank you growstuff. I did try live chat and here is the response: ‘I’ve checked the details for you and I see that your account is with our new platform. Unfortunately, I currently don’t have access to this new platform so I won’t be able to assist you. However, we’ve a dedicated team who can surely help you with this. You can connect with this team on the below link. britishgasevolve.co.uk’.
Apparently this ‘platform’ no longer exists!

Good luck! That makes no sense to me, but I expect it does to someone.

I should have pointed out that my bill at the end of July was £62.00 after I had sent my readings in. Paper bill via the post.

Dickens

volver

Och, I said I was on a hiding to nothing...

But what we are hearing is that there is a way for BG or anybody else to reduce costs, but some people won't engage because they want to keep their own money in their own bank and use antiquated ways of paying for things.

I get interest on any credit in my Ovo account, 3% I think. Its definitely more than I'd get from a bank. Things aren't always as straightforward as people think.

Each payment method has its advantages and disadvantages - for both the company and the customer.

I have chosen the one that suits me.

Having once been 'bitten' by the DD method - I'm not keen to use it again. Antiquated or not, I'll continue to pay for what I use - perusing the bills, I've been able to reduce them. One size does not fit all, which is why the companies still allow for the moment, the choice.

Agreed - people have to do the thing that is best for them.

I peruse my usage by having a smart meter and reviewing the daily usage on the Ovo Website. I know what costs a lot of money and I avoid using it. And I don't have to wait until the monthly bill comes in to find out what I should do.

Dickens Won't they allow you to pay by monthly direct debit for the energy you've used that month rather than a set amount? I used to do that but it does involve large winter payments of course.

volver

Och, I said I was on a hiding to nothing...

But what we are hearing is that there is a way for BG or anybody else to reduce costs, but some people won't engage because they want to keep their own money in their own bank and use antiquated ways of paying for things.

I get interest on any credit in my Ovo account, 3% I think. Its definitely more than I'd get from a bank. Things aren't always as straightforward as people think.

Each payment method has its advantages and disadvantages - for both the company and the customer.

I have chosen the one that suits me.

Having once been 'bitten' by the DD method - I'm not keen to use it again. Antiquated or not, I'll continue to pay for what I use - perusing the bills, I've been able to reduce them. One size does not fit all, which is why the companies still allow for the moment, the choice.

Och, I said I was on a hiding to nothing...

But what we are hearing is that there is a way for BG or anybody else to reduce costs, but some people won't engage because they want to keep their own money in their own bank and use antiquated ways of paying for things.

I get interest on any credit in my Ovo account, 3% I think. Its definitely more than I'd get from a bank. Things aren't always as straightforward as people think.

Keeper1

I was contacted by British Gas suggesting I set up a direct debit and I refused they asked why. Your experience is the reason why I like to control what goes in and out of my bank account and not have companies increasing amounts as they see fit.

This is not true. I have complete control over my monthly direct debit. I can reduce it if I think I'm paying too much. But with costs going up it may not cover what I'm using. I can then increase the monthly amount.

The idea is to get a balance so your payments cover your usage over the year. Thus you will be in credit at the end of the summer when you use less but this will get used up during the winter. It's like having your own little energy bank account where you put money in for drawing out later.

I don't understand why everyone is so suspicious of this. The money is yours! Any surplus amount belongs to you.

The problem is that now the cost of energy is skyrocketing it is impossible to set a monthly direct debit which balances out over the year. Those days are gone. There is only one way your direct debit can go now, and that is up.

volver

...in other words, they would be able to run their companies more efficiently and reduce their charges when they can.

Oh - you mean they pass on their cost-savings to their customers?

Do you have any record of them ever reducing their charges - because I certainly don't. If they did - I'd actually re-think. In the meantime, I'd prefer the credit in my bank account rather than theirs.

Thank you growstuff. I did try live chat and here is the response: ‘I’ve checked the details for you and I see that your account is with our new platform. Unfortunately, I currently don’t have access to this new platform so I won’t be able to assist you. However, we’ve a dedicated team who can surely help you with this. You can connect with this team on the below link. britishgasevolve.co.uk’.
Apparently this ‘platform’ no longer exists!

Just be aware, before simply stopping Direct Debits, that an increasing number of energy suppliers have changed their T&Cs, and can charge you a fee if they are unable to collect the DD as expected.

In case you can't find Live Chat, the link is here:

www.britishgas.co.uk/help-and-support/contact-us

Sorry, I'm on a roll now...

I was also asked "why" when I refused DDs by British Gas. I told them that I was not going to give a reason because if I did - they'd argue against it. or, in other words, they would be able to explain away any issues you had with the idea.

They want you to go for DDs because it's cheaper and easier for them Or, in other words, they would be able to run their companies more efficiently and reduce their charges when they can.

I know I'm on a hiding to nothing trying to defend the power companies just now. I'm definitely of the opinion that they are making money for nothing But it seems to me that people are not taking advantage of things that would help keep their charges down, for spurious reasons.

Keeper1

I was contacted by British Gas suggesting I set up a direct debit and I refused they asked why. Your experience is the reason why I like to control what goes in and out of my bank account and not have companies increasing amounts as they see fit.

... I like to control what goes in and out of my bank account and not have companies increasing amounts as they see fit.

Quite.

I was also asked "why" when I refused DDs by British Gas. I told them that I was not going to give a reason because if I did - they'd argue against it.

It is quite simple. They want you to go for DDs because it's cheaper and easier for them and they can estimate your usage to suit their bank account, not yours. People who use DDs often (so it's been reported) are less frugal with their usage than those who pay on demand. I use less when I can see the bills coming in each quarter - it concentrates the mind.

Have you tried Live Chat on the BG website? I used it to query an unexpected increase in my DD recently and it was dealt with very quickly. The explanation given was that there had been a computer error which led to the system thinking I had used a huge amount of gas in the previous quarter. My DD was immediately reduced to the original amount.

I think Live Chat could also tell you how to change your email address, they do ask some security questions before engaging in a discussion so your old address might still work then you could explain your problem.

Apologies if you have already tried that, I find though that when it’s impossible to get through on the phone, Live Chat usually sorts things out.

Where has any one suggested they will not pay their bills.

This thread, 10:47 this morning.

And just to add, they did not have permission to take money from my account in excess of what they usually take, i.e. £140 against the previous £60.

I'm going to guess that you have signed something, physically or electronically, that says they are allowed to take the amount you owe them. People cannot unilaterally take money out of your account without your permission, despite what urban lore tells you.

Where has any one suggested they will not pay their bills.

I have cancelled my DD and would never let BG has access to this again.

I received a bill last month and paid. I expect another one this month.

And just to add, they did not have permission to take money from my account in excess of what they usually take, i.e. £140 against the previous £60.

volver Actually, it was not my fault that my email changed, so please don’t make assumptions. As I’ve said, the BG system would not allow me to provide my new email address. Yes, I know that sounds infeasible, but it is a fact.

Even though it wasn't your fault that your email changed, it is your fault that you didn't advise British Gas of the change until you feel that you are faced with something they have done wrong. You have an account that is managed online, they will have been communicating with your old email address and you have no idea what they have been telling you, because you did not let them know how to get in touch with you. You knew that your old email wasn't working any more, and you didn't tell them.

What they have done seems entirely valid to me.

Perhaps there will turn out to be a problem in what they are trying to charge you. But blaming them for something is not on until you know the full story.

A good idea Mine.

volver Actually, it was not my fault that my email changed, so please don’t make assumptions. As I’ve said, the BG system would not allow me to provide my new email address. Yes, I know that sounds infeasible, but it is a fact.
JaneJudge. That is so very frustrating and worrying for you, and I do sympathise. I agree, so much time is wasted due to their incompetence. Maybe you should contact the Ombudsman too, as recommended by ayse. Good luck.
Thank you NotAGran. My OH keeps a close eye on the DD payments, which has not caused any concern until now. If any notification was sent by BG, I’m assuming it went via email to my non existent address, nothing received via the post. I can’t recall providing a meter reading or having it read recently. They fix the rate for a year, then adjust it according to the amount of gas used.

I'm give my readings for both gas and electric monthly...I then receive my bill on line and pay by Internet banking...This way I have control of how much is leaving my bank...

Patsy70

volver I wouldn’t dream of not paying my bills if I discontinued paying by direct debit. There are other methods. Yes, we use DD for all bills too. BG have made it impossible for me to change my email address. How is that my fault?
ayse. I sincerely hope it doesn’t take that long, but my next step, if this isn’t resolved, is to contact the Ombudsman.

Patsy70 I'm not trying to say you would, but somebody upthread suggested it and, like me, I think you agree that would be a no-no.

Again, sorry if this sounds harsh...

It is your fault if you have changed your contact details (i.e. email address) and have not kept BG informed. BG can't just have someone call up and change the contact details on an account, because you could be anybody. I could call up and ask them to change the email address to mine, and that would be unacceptable wouldn't it? Presumably you also had a password? So they would need to know that as well to be completely happy about changing your online access?

I do see that it is frustrating, but right now I don't think this is a BG problem. As far as I can see you have no idea if the £239.09 is right or wrong. Because you have not been keeping up to date with the information that BG is sending you.

Anyway, my first post was full of mistakes; it is DF's bills I manage through DD and I can see that your DH is in favour of sticking with DDs. Apologies.