Not submitted meter reading for some time - most likely penalty/outcome?

TLDR: not submitted a gas meter reading for a year and now I can't as my meter isn't working. Do suppliers see this as trying to steal energ

No excuses here but I am very bad at submitting meter readings, due to general forgetfulness/missing the deadline each month. I last submitted a gas reading a year ago. So eventually, a fellow from a third party came to read my gas meter, but he couldn't get to the electricity meter at the time (I was out at the time so couldn't assist him in doing so otherwise I would've done- its under the stairs and difficult to get to) but I was under the impression he did read my gas meter as this is outside the house and my wife (who was in at that time) showed him where it was. Since he has been last month, it has made me realise I need to submit the readings. I managed to submit the electricity meter reading and it looks fairly similar to what they've been estimating which is good. However my gas meter now doesn't work - it just doesn't show a reading but my gas still works. Not sure if this was the case then the TP came to read it or it has happened since he came. Anyway I have informed them that this is not working and asked if either they can come and look at it or I'm happy to have a smart meter fitted.

However I am now slightly worried that they will try to accuse me of deliberately stealing/underpaying for energy (but as said based on electricity ive been paying approx the right amount, give or take.)

Has anyone had any experiences with his situation or been in a similar situation themselves? Thank you