British Gas customers claim "something fishy is going on" with their smart meters amid the cost of living crisis.
Complaints have been flooding the energy and home service provider's online forums with unsubstantiated claims of overcharging, and the app not working correctly since February.
It comes as energy prices began to soar this year as a result of the Covid pandemic, as well as Ukraine invasion and ongoing Brexit aftermath.
And Brits have been united in their despair, reports NorthWalesLive.
National Insurance, council tax, and food and fuel prices have all increased due to the crisis, and experts have warned that the spikes won't start slowing anytime soon.
Those that use smart meters were all under the impression that this would help keep cost down and also under control, as it helps monitor the bills.
Unfortunately, customers of British Gas have come out in their droves complaining about "something fishy going on".
Love was certainly not lost on 'The British Gas complaints page' Facebook page.
Have you been experiencing similar problems? Let us know at webnews@mirror.co.uk
Sharon Backhouse said: "How the hell can BG charge me £13 in 45 minutes when I have no heating on?"
Amy Evans warned: "Keep a close eye on your accounts.
"After querying what the cost says on my smart meter I was then told this was correct. £80 electricity in 4 days!
"Again queried this suddenly it went down and after further query went down again. Something fishy going on!"
Julie Rose brought up the issues of home discounts.
She said: "Still not got home discount. I've got a 2 year old in house with a coat on and hot water bottle and blanket.
"I've explained this to BG and said they can't tell me when it will be sent out to me and they can see I'm entitled to it but can't even put it on my meter at there end.
"Are they having a laugh? Fuming not the word".
In response, Charlene Borsberry said: "Told me I didn't even apply for it but why am I surprised [after] they stole last year's from me? I've had 3 years of dealing with them constantly cutting us off or letting us down.
"I have 3 children, one who needs medical equipment. They know all this. They just don't care...as long as the big wigs are sitting pretty. I'm done, I've started the switch. Can't handle the stress. Disgusting company!"
Anne O'Shiel apparently managed to get through to British Gas, who gave a date for customers expecting payments.
She posted: "Finally spoke to BG re; my Warm Home Discount. I was informed that everyone should receive their payments by 14th April.
"If nothing has been received by then, to call back & only then, can they make payment, directly to the meter...!"
Nicky Hitchcock was equally outraged about the apparent overcharging.
She said: "We were on a fixed tariff of £159 per month, which ended in December.
"They then put us up to £342 per month and have now recommend we pay 466 PER MONTH, even though we’ve never been in debit!
"Three bedroom semi-detached, not a mansion!
"We now only use the boiler for 1 hour each morning to provide some hot water for the day and then wrap up in thermals for the rest of our time in the house!"
What do British Gas say?
NorthWalesLive has reached out to British Gas for a response to these claims. From their help page they found the following:
If your meter isn't working
If your pay as you go meter is damaged, we can send someone out to make sure you and your property are safe. Just call us on our as you go enquiries line.
This line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm for general enquiries and 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies. If you don't have a pay as you go meter please call us on our Account enquiries line.
What if my meter's damaged?
If there's something wrong with your gas meter, that's worrying. Immediately get in touch with the Gas Emergency Services. If you notice any sparking, smoking or burning coming from your meter, ring the fire brigade. Turn off all your appliances and call your local electricity distributor.
What if my meter reading hasn't changed, or is going backwards?
Your meter may be recording your energy use incorrectly. If you have a pay as you go meter call us on our Pay as you go enquiries line as soon as possible to make sure you're only paying for what you've used. If you don't have a pay as you go meter call us on our Account enquiries line
Why has my smart meter stopped working?
We need to establish if the problem is with your smart meters or your smart energy monitor. Follow this link here to check if the problem could be with your smart energy monitor.
If this hasn’t resolved the issue, occasionally there are problems with the technology that supports smart meters. We investigate any issues on a case by case basis work out what we can do to help you.
