I AM very fortunate to be on a fixed tariff with Scottish Gas as the increase in energy prices does not immediately affect me. Just as well, as Scottish Gas recently sent me an estimated bill for usage until September 23.

It was an estimated bill in spite of me having smart meters installed and not being asked to submit meter readings. In the bill itself, gas usage is underestimated by almost 50% and electricity usage is underestimated by about 30%. This means that if my unit price had in fact increased on October 1, I would be paying extra for energy I had already used which should have been paid for at the lower rate.

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Clearly underestimating bills are to the advantage of Scottish Gas and I believe this is a calculated piece of sharp practice. Underestimated usage when the tariff is low gives a dishonest windfall bonus to the company when the tariff rises, and they are well aware of this.

Bill Drew
Kirriemuir