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Original poster

New gas CH - we're screwed aren't we

32 replies

Hagrod · 23/11/2022 09:59

I feel like this is a bit futile asking but here goes.

We have had (very expensive) central heating installed (boiler and 10 radiators) and had the gas pipeline put in by SGN(that alone cost £1000).

We have never had gas before and did not realise that SGN would not put a meter in themselves.

We are now phoning round all the gas suppliers and either they say they are not taking on new customers, or we would also have to have the electric wired up by them and have a duel smart meter type thing (just can't see this being possible as the hosue is ancient), or they maybe possibly vaguely can do it but not for 6-8 weeks as there is a huge waiting list for new installations. By which time it will be mid January and we may not survive that long as it is currently the same temperature in the house as it is out 😩

Is there anything we can do? I'd really appreciate someone's kind advice here.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hagrod · 23/11/2022 10:03

Just to add that the plumber who did the CH says he had no idea SGN wouldn't install the meter and didn;t know the gas suppliers wouldn't want to take us on.

OP posts:
Summersdreaming · 23/11/2022 10:07

Is the gas now running to your property, so you can use it? Or do you need to be connected by a supplier? If the gas works then use it!! Get on a waiting list for a meter install and enjoy in the meantime.. although I'm guessing it's not working or you'd be celebrating.

Summersdreaming · 23/11/2022 10:09

I'd also just agree to the dual fuel and let the supplier worry about the install, if I remember correctly you can't be penalised if you take a smart meter tariff as long as you allow access for them to survey and if they decide it can't be installed you won't be turfed off the tariff.

Choconut · 23/11/2022 10:11

Yeah no one's going to be providing them with gas for free.......
What about getting some oil filled heaters to tide you over for the next 6-8 weeks. Otherwise just say yes to the duel thing and see what they say when they come (if that will be quicker).

Beebumble2 · 23/11/2022 10:25

Get on a waiting list with a supplier asp. Decide which rooms are necessary to heat, live in and only heat those with electric oil radiators. Buy electric blankets, hot water bottles for beds. Do you have an electric shower?
We’ve gutted and done up houses through the winter with no CH and limiting the heat to a few rooms worked. Also sheepskin slipper boots, ponchos and gilets.

Warmwesterly · 23/11/2022 23:32

Have you tried Octopus?

If not try them they are such a fab company to deal with.

They are telling me I am able to introduce new customers a.t.m so it might be worth ringing them and giving them my code. Just PM me if you would like it.

In the interests of disclosure I would get £50 if you used the code, but so would you.

Lcb123 · 24/11/2022 07:32

Yeah we did this a few years ago, it’s complicated. I’d look into the smart meters, it’s their issue to look into installation options

MissyB1 · 24/11/2022 07:34

Definitely try Octopus, and go for a smart meter. I’m sure there will be a waiting list but it will be worth it in the end. Keep pushing them for an appointment and badger for cancellation slots etc…

whojamaflip · 24/11/2022 07:39

We had this earlier in the year when trying to get a new electric supply meter installed- rang round all the major suppliers and not one was taking on new customers!

I ended up using a company called Crown Energy who managed to sort out the meter installation and a new contract for us.

www.crownenergy.co.uk/

It might be worth giving them a call - they were very helpful and easy to deal with and we had great customer service.

NewHouseNewMe · 24/11/2022 08:12

I’m trying to understand this. The SGN network put in the supply but didn’t put in the meter because it’s the responsibility of the gas supplier. Yet you can’t get a gas supplier to take you on or there’s a huge queue for meter connection/installation? I am also guessing you might live remotely so i suspect this is being driven by when they’re next scheduled to be in the area ..

Have you young children or vulnerable adults living with you?

A supplier cannot refuse to take you as a new customer so you can complain to the Ombudsman. Here’s what the citizen advice website says:

Suppliers are required to supply gas or electricity to new customers when asked. If an energy supplier refuses to install a meter or set you up as a new customer, you can make a complaint. Find out how to complain to an energy supplier.
<link>

Aleaiactaest · 24/11/2022 08:16

I would also put in a complaint re SGN and email the CEO directly.

NewHouseNewMe · 24/11/2022 08:19

I ask about vulnerable dependents because I would then ask to speak to the vulnerable customer helpline for these suppliers.

Unbridezilla · 24/11/2022 08:19

Pp is correct, suppliers cannot refuse to take new customers. Although many seem to be pretending they can at the minute. However, there is no obligation that they make it possible to sign up online.

If I were you, I would call your preferred supplier up and quote Ofgem at them if they say they cannot connect you. Ofgem say that the licence condition of suppliers is that they cannot refuse new connections.

And report all the companies that have refused you to Ofgem. I work in the gas industry and Ofgem really can make the companies they government quake in their boots. A complaint from Ofgem is a big deal.

MrsMontyD · 24/11/2022 08:27

The problem is when they privatised British Gas years ago they separated the companies that put in the infrastructure to bring you the gas from the companies that then sell you the gas.

If you don't have a mains gas supply it's very difficult and usually very expensive (could be £10k or more) to get one. The company that puts in the infrastructure doesn't gain anything from the ongoing supply so they want to cover their costs and they'll only bring it as far as your house.

WiseUpJanetWeiss · 24/11/2022 08:33

The OP does have a gas pipeline installed - she said so in her first post. This is the suppliers being shifty.

MishaBukvic · 24/11/2022 09:02

I arranged a gas connection at our house in 2021. Cadent, who dug up the road and put in the gas pipe, took around 8 weeks waiting time, and then I had to wait around 12 weeks for my gas provider to put in a gas meter.

I'd recommend getting on the waiting list asap, and then pester them for an install date. The squeaking cog gets the oil, so they say.

I don't really see the point in complaining to SGN because it says clearly on their website "Please note: SGN is a gas distribution company. We don't maintain your meter or send bills for the gas you use in your property. That's your gas supplier's responsibility."

MishaBukvic · 24/11/2022 09:03

Is your plumber helping you?
He can't commission the boiler until the gas is connected, so it's in his interest to help you get the gas connection on (assuming he isn't going to bill you until the job is complete..... ).

RidingMyBike · 24/11/2022 09:12

There are big delays - we're doing the opposite and having gas supply removed along with the meter. It's finally going next week, which will be 8 weeks after we rang up to book their first available slot!

Wherediditallgo · 24/11/2022 09:12

It does sound as if you were a bit premature in having everything installed before the meter was put in. The best thing to do as others have said is to get on a waiting list with whatever supplier will have you.
Most of us are paying the capped rate for gas/electric so you won’t be charged any more than that.

Cyclistmumgrandma · 24/11/2022 09:20

Having an old house shouldn't prevent a smart meter from working. The meter will be installed outside so should (if you have a mobile signal outside) connect OK.

GasPanic · 24/11/2022 13:55

@Hagrod

Kind of had a similar issue last year when my boiler broke down.

Bought 3x electric heaters and used them instead for 2 weeks. Did have the benefit of a gas fire that still worked though.

If you go for heaters I would go for convection heaters because they are cheaper. I got the cheapest one I could find for £16, but a similar model is now £30. If you decide to get them probably better to do it sooner than later.

Also talk to your mates and see whether they have any electric heaters you can borrow.

If you are already on electric, is it possible to sign up to an E7 tariff ? If you can do this for the short term (1 year) it might work out cheaper ?

WrongLife · 24/11/2022 14:17

I had a gas supply disconnected in June and I'm still waiting for the gas supplier to collect the meter... They refused to agree it was theirs for months until I told them I would be charging to store it.

IVFNewbie · 24/11/2022 14:22

Get a diesel space heater (with exhaust out the window of course).

Original poster
Hagrod · 25/11/2022 10:55

Thank you so much for all of your replies and all of your info which is very helpful.

A nice lady at SGN said they get people phoning up often asking why they don't put meters in and how bad the suppliers are about it. I guess it's just one of those things.

Hopefully we are going to get it sorted. I will update as and when in case it helps anyone else.

OP posts:
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