GAS STANDING CHARGES ON VACANT PREMISES British Gas

General Discussion

I am being charged a standing charge by British Gas ( I urge all landlords to NOT deal with any part of British Gas). They are adamant that a standing charge can be made as there is a meter at the property as there is a "deemed contract". I maintain under schedule 2 (8) of the 1995 Gas Act it refers to owner/occupiers "takes a gas supply" thus my view and opinion is that if you use any gas you have a deemed contract but if you do not use the gas you have not "taken a supply". I maintain the opinion of BG is irrelevant and interpretation of the law is the important and over-riding factor.

Do we have any legal people or barristers who can provide a legal definition of "takes a supply". The crucial point in my view being the meaning of take a supply is that accepting their meter on your land or does it mean using the gas? Any other landlord experiences would also be helpful. Have you had the same bullying approach by BG?

Over to the good people of the RLA and fellow landlords!