Closing utility accounts after sale, buyer not registering

General
1

I completed on a sale of a property in the East Midlands at the end of October. I submitted final meter readings to both the gas and electricity suppliers on the day of completion and asked them to close my accounts.

The electricity supplier (Eon Next) closed my account promptly and I have received a final statement. The gas supplier (British Gas) initially acknowledged the readings but has now sent me a bill dated 18 November covering a period after completion. When I called them, I was told that the new owner has not yet registered with them, so the account remains in my name.

  1. Am I actually liable for gas consumed after the completion date, given that I no longer own the property and have provided final readings?
  2. Is there a standard process for forcing the closure of a utility account in these circumstances, or am I reliant on the buyer eventually registering?

I suspect the answer to (1) is no, but I would rather confirm before I write back to them. I have the completion statement and final meter reading photograph if it comes to a formal dispute.

2

Had the exact same thing with British Gas years ago when we sold a place. They kept billing us for three months. In the end my husband sent them a copy of the completion statement and the meter photo by post and they finally closed it. Don’t bother with the phone, just write to their complaints address and include your proof. You’re not liable after completion, they just can’t be bothered updating their system until someone makes them.