Just wondering if anyone can shed any light on the billing system ESB use for their prepaid token meters. A friend of mine moved into rented accommodation that had a ESB token meter. His Landlord provided a card which was needed to purchase the €5 token cards. He lived in the house for 8 months. During this time he got chatting to the man reading the meter. He found out that the meter on the house was also the meter in use in the landlords house next door. A cable ran from meter across to landlords adjoining house. He never received the ESB bill. On numerous occasions when the card ran out and power went it also was off in landlord’s house. Once he inserted the card the lights came on in both houses. He was under the impression that by purchasing the cards it covered all esb costs as it seemed more expensive. Approx 200 -250 per month (average 3 bed house)
On giving one months notice to move out, the landlord said his deposit would be returned no problem. But when he tried to track the landlord down on the particular day of departure she refused to give deposit and presented him with a bill for esb.
She said he owed approx 250 on vat and standing charges. He asked if he did owe this money why the bills were not presented on a bi monthly basis when they arrived. The answer given was that they didn’t want to disturb him!!
He then asked why there was only one meter and they said they had a coin box and were only connected to main meter as a backup power source. Seems a strange setup and he wonders if he does owe vat and charges should they not be split between 2 houses?
Any ideas on how to proceed would be appreciated.