I’ve done a terrible thing… what to do now

[Odetojoy]

Hi,

about 9 months ago I was really struggling financially. My dad had just died and I was in a very bad place.

I knew that I hadn’t been paying enough for my electricity and I was being badgered for a meter reading. Stupidly I submitted a lower reading. I’m ashamed of this and know it’s illegal.

im now in a better position and want to sort this. Do I just enter the actual reading now? I’m also considering just calling them up and being totally honest about what I did.

what should I do? Please don’t judge me - I know how bad this is

Literally zero!

Just pay it. Job done.

The only thing that might happen is they query the sudden hike in reading if it doesn't match your precious usage. We had some thing happen years ago when we moved into a new rental, there was separate night and day time meter, we got them the wrong way round when submitting readings. They just sent someone around to look at the readings and confirm.

None!!

Dont over think this.

Enter the new meter reading. Pay the bill.

That’s it!!

@Odetojoy I’m also considering just calling them up and being totally honest about what I did.

This is nuts and you can probably get into hot water (excuse my pun) for this shyte and get your electricity supply disconnected at the beginning of winter. You fecked up, you were in a bad place, that's fine, own it and don't do it again. Send a proper reading next time and don't tamper with it.

Almost zero

This!
just enter new reading. The electricity company are just wanting you to pay. It’s not something to panic about.

Not rtft but if youre questioned just say you must have entered the wrong number by accident

Jesus Christ OP, with the thread title "I’ve done a terrible thing… what to do now" I thought you'd killed someone and came on Mumsnet to spill your guts.

Best to do it now before prices increase as you don't want it backdated at a higher amount.

It will be fine. It could easily have been an error. Best to get back on track though as you don't want it continually mounting.

They might contact you just because the numbers look odd (probably not) but you can just say you think you entered it incorrectly last time.

I never submitted false readings, but I did rack up a debt. I applied for my energy provider’s hardship grant where my debt was written off. It was for less than £1000, but it’s still worth you trying to do things properly and see if they can offer you any support

Just put the correct reading in and pay it. Obviously do it quick before the prices rise. I submitted an incorrect reading, accidentally, and it was ages before it was sorted out due to estimated bills. It was never questioned.

Explain your circumstances regarding your bereavement and ask if you can pay it up monthly. Condolences on the loss of your dad. It's hard.

Zero. You'll be paying the amount owed. For all they know you could have had all sorts of electrical appliances switched on permanently for the last few months. No one can prove you deliberately lied. And even if they could they wouldn't care as you are now paying what's owed.

I accidentally gave them the wrong reading once, but in the reverse. I had to submit a photograph of meter reading to bring my usage back down and get a refund. I doubt they’re going to be looking for proof if you owe them money.
Just submit correct reading and contact them to arrange a payment plan if you want to handover £1000.

It’ll be fine. You were buying yourself some time, not trying to get out of paying. Just enter the correct reading and pay the bill as planned.

Honestly where is the proof your reading was wrong? Where is the crime?

Change 'almost zero' to 'absolutely zero'.

There's no crime here, none at all. You have more chance of winning the lottery than them reporting you to the police!

There will be people who make genuine mistakes when reading or entering the numbers online. Don't worry about it. Enter the correct reading, pay the bill and forget all about it. You're being far too harsh on yourself.

To follow on from points I made earlier, this has just coincidently popped up in my twitter feed - as I said exactly who is in wrong here when the companies do this all the time ?

I have no idea who this person is- just another random customer who is being fleeced

I used to work for an energy company zero chance of you being reported to the police people put in the wrong readings all the time put the gas in for electric and vice versa or totally read it wrong.

Just put the correct reading in and pay the bill or make a payment plan

They won't. You could have been on hol so using none then come back and started using loads and running loads and loads of devices and electric heaters/fans/anything. They won't care. Just enter and pay.

Honestly don't worry. They will be pleased to get the money. Erroneous readings are common. Relax

Zero, don’t worry you could just as easily have misread the reading. You’re willing to pay the bill which is all they care about.

Just enter the correct reading, pay your bill and all sorted. I think you are I rethinking it. No need to get into discussions as to what you did etc. just call them next time if you are having difficulties.

The meter man even recorded by readings wrong once!

There are plenty of reasons for submitting an incorrect reading, typos, didn't see it correctly due to poor lighting or sun glare etc.

Grief is as soon a reason as any if not more so.

Just submit the right one now and pay the bill.

In the very unlikely event of it ever being questioned "I didn't even nothing but perhaps I took it down wrong or something"

You really need to forgive yourself and move on. If this us the worst thing you've done in life, you are going grand.