{"id":184381,"date":"2023-12-04T16:39:17","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T16:39:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/precoinnews.com\/?p=184381"},"modified":"2023-12-04T16:39:17","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T16:39:17","slug":"the-gas-debt-that-never-was-is-cleared","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/precoinnews.com\/business\/the-gas-debt-that-never-was-is-cleared\/","title":{"rendered":"The gas debt that never was is cleared"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

No more threats from a debt collector about money they never owed and their energy account right for the first time in months \u2013 this festive season is looking much more merry now for one couple.<\/p>\n

Julie and Alan Watkins valiantly weathered the storm after matters went seriously awry following the capping of their supply and the removal of their gas meter when they went all electric a year ago.<\/p>\n

Customers of British Gas for 18 years and paying by direct debit, both their electric and their gas accounts were in credit.<\/p>\n

But then another statement arrived in November last year with their correct name and address, but a different account number and stating the couple owed \u00a3110 for gas.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut this made no sense as we no longer had any gas then, and had a new account number for our electricity,\u201d says Julie.<\/p>\n

Don’t miss… <\/strong> Joy for widow with TV replacement after repairer let her down \u2013 The Crusader<\/strong><\/p>\n

Having an old type smart meter hadn\u2019t helped either they discovered as previous readings failed to go through as they thought.<\/p>\n

Debt collector demands followed. \u201cI replied, sending photocopies of our British Gas paperwork by recorded delivery,\u201d adds Julie.<\/p>\n

After numerous calls it was their understanding the gas charges had been stopped, but last month yet another debt demand surfaced for \u00a3138 based on estimated use.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have no intention of paying this, unless it can be proved. We want to keep our electricity account and remain customers, but without this terrible hassle,\u201d was Julie\u2019s reasonable reaction when she saw the order to contact the collector.<\/p>\n

Having talked to the Watkins and seen all the meticulously detailed correspondence that they had compiled defending themselves, Crusader\u2019s respect for them soared even higher.<\/p>\n

Courteous, mild-mannered folk in their 80s, Alan\u2019s memory loss condition caused him even greater anxiety when a couple of weeks ago the debt spook rose again and they were given an ultimatum to provide proof within days about their gas situation.<\/p>\n

Once alerted, British Gas responded very quickly getting matters sorted and with a \u00a3100 goodwill gesture for them. It confirmed: \u201cWe\u2019re very sorry for the payment reminders that [they] received. These were sent in error. We\u2019ve since spoken with them to apologise for any upset that our communications may have caused and have reassured them that no further reminders will be received.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hugely relieved Julie thanked Crusader saying: \u201cA weight has been lifted from our shoulders, keep the good work going.\u201d<\/p>\n

Names have been changed<\/em><\/p>\n

If you’ve been affected by this issue or feel you’ve been a victim of injustice, please contact consumer champion Maisha Frost on <\/i><\/b>maisha.frost@express.co.uk<\/i><\/b><\/em><\/p>\n