Many years ago when I first moved into my house there were four electricity meters, one for each flat that used to be in the house.
I asked Powergen to remove them all and just connect one meter as the house was now a single dwelling.
This they did and had a meter man visit to remove all the meters and then another to fit the new meter. The old meters were left on the door step for a third to collect.
The meters were never collected but after the first quarter I received bills for the new meter and all four old ones.
Despite many calls I continued to get demands for the four meters. Eventually I was threatened with legal action and disconnection so I called their bluff.
A meter man came round to disconnect, complete with police officer, and so I invited them all in showed them a box of disconnected meters and the corresponding paper work. That seemed to work and the meter man apologised and said he would sort it when he got back
They went away but didn't take the meters.
No more letters until the next quarter and I got new bills for the four meters!
I changed suppliers and invited Powergen to come and read the four meters, along with the one I was using, and to bill me for the outstanding amount on each meter. They did and I got a bill for the electricity I used and four with zero balance on. they actually read the meters even though they were not connected to anything!
I think the assumption was that the new supplier would then take over the billing for four meters that were now in a cardboard box by my front door! I offered but they weren't interested. Wonder why?