Refund from gas supplier

[searchlight]

If your gas provider told you they had overcharged as a result of a metering error and were going to refund the amount by cheque would I be entitled to interest on the money?
This has gone on unknown to me for 3 years and they have now told me about it . It's not an inconsiderable sum

[Ice.Maiden]

In theory, it sounds like it searchlight, but in reality I doubt it. They could argue that your overpayments hadn't been sitting in their coffers collecting interest, but'd been spent on admin, for instance.
It's like when British Gas gave everyone "free" lightbulbs not so long ago. They would've got them at a fraction of what you'd pay for them in the shops, but even so, with all its customers, it must've cost - and wasted - quite a bit of money. I imagine you'll be refunded - but literally by the the amount they charged you in error. Might be worth asking about though!!

[ELVIS68]

They`ll probably just credit your account rather than send you a cheque

[Ice.Maiden]

I don't think so for a "considerable sum" Elvis. That could add up to several quarters' worth of free gas, depending on how much searchlight'd been over-charged, and with price rises or capping prices forever changing, I think they'd find it easier to just send a cheque.
Mind you......you never know what they're going to do!

[ELVIS68]

I agree with Icey, wtf do I know? ;o)

[Mr Veritas]

Ethically, are you entitled to interest~Yes.
Will you get it~No.

Getting a refund out of any Utility is like getting blood out of a stone.

Congratulations on the Refund anyway!

[searchlight]

Surprise surprise a cheque arrived this morning way quicker than they told me it would take.
I'm really made up but the sobering bit is finding out that this has gone on for 3 years.
I've learnt a lesson here. Take meter readings regularly and if you have online accounting with your gas/electric supplier submit them regularly.

[searchlight]

Hey Elvis
Your 2nd answer made me laugh it reminded me of a sketch in the Fast Show where every time Paul Whitehouse expresses an opinion one of his drinking buddies contradicts him and he just goes with the flow

lol