Why was I sent a final bill by Scottish Power if I’m on a PAYG smart meter?

[user0512]

Hi,

I lived in temp accommodation when I was homeless and would top up the electricity there myself via the app. Anytime I did use emergency credit it was deducted when I topped up again.

Upon leaving I was send a £100 bill - why would this be the case when it was a PAYG smart meter?

I understand prices can change etc but meter readings were given when I moved in and when I left.

Posted on here for traffic.

Thanks

You'll need to ask them. Have a check first that the details match your dates and readings.

I have asked them and they just said that the charge wasn’t accurate at the time and the final bill is accurate but I’m not sure how that works with a pay as you go. Didn’t get much help to be honest just that’s they said and that I still have to pay the amount

Is it possible the units you were paying for were not being metered correctly at the time, or that they have undercharged you on the original bill?

If this is the case, then I'd stand my ground with them because it's up to them to ensure they are billing you/charging you at the correct rate, not up to you.

Generally if you put your foot down they tend to relent and strike bills for smaller amounts. Certainly do not pay it until they can come up with a clear and concise explanation for the discrepancy which shows that the liability is yours.

Can you take photos of the bill and post it up here?

The meters aren’t actually PAYG which many people don’t realise. The meter charges on ‘estimated consumption’ which is why they ask for meter readings. Based on the final reading you can find you are in credit or debit.

Were you with the same provider at the address before you went into temporary accommodation?
Were you paying off debt?

How old is the bill? They can only claim for the bill within 12 months of you leaving an address.
Also ask for precise meter readings with regard to the bill.
I had the same problem a few years ago.

I had this with them when I moved house about four years ago. I apparently owed nearly 100 quid EACH on my gas and electric. They said it was because they hadn't updated the tariffs on the meters. I got copies of every bill and scrutinized them to try and find out what had happened but I didn't have enough information on the tariffs set into the key meters to challenge it. In the end I paid both bills, but about a fiver short on each one, just to see if they chased me for the shortfall. They didn't, which showed me that really they are just chancing bloody scammers! Scottish Power had the most terrible customer service as well. Just rude people answering the phone, passing you across to other people so you had to go through the whole story again and again. I'm with Octopus now and they're great! I just give them meter readings every month and pay what I actually owe. It's annoying but you probably have to just pay up - just a little bit short so it's harder for them to balance their scammy books 😂