‘I used to be stung with a £4,500 power invoice – for my | U.Ok.Finance Information
A lady was hit with a staggering £4,500 power invoice – for an handle she hadn’t lived in for 2 years.
Melissa Penn, who moved out of her former property in Rugby in September 2022, confronted a irritating appeals course of along with her power provider that lasted 4 months.
Ms Penn mentioned she felt pressured to pay for costs she didn’t owe and encountered quite a few obstacles whereas making an attempt to resolve the problem. She advised BBC Cash Field about her ordeal.
She mentioned: “They were threatening to take my direct debit up to excessive amounts [to pay the bill], which I didn’t have funds to pay for at the time.”
Below a coverage launched by Ofgem in 2018, power corporations can not invoice prospects for utilization more than 12 months previous.
These guidelines had been launched in 2018 to make sure correct billing and to guard customers from surprising prices.
Nevertheless, Ms Penn’s case will not be an remoted incident. As many as 3,308 backbilling circumstances had been reported to the power ombudsman within the 12 months main up to September 2024.
After months of persistence, Ms Penn efficiently challenged the invoice, which was ultimately cancelled.
Vitality UK claims that back-billing accounts for less than a small portion of complaints, however buyer experiences recommend the influence may be important.
Ms Penn mentioned the entire course of was “extremely long and stressful.”
Another energy customer shared with BBC Money Box that her supplier charged £2,000 for usage beyond the 12-month deadline.
Jennifer Seals, who had to “fight” against her persistent supplier, noted that while she could stand up for herself, she fears that more vulnerable people may not know they can dispute these bills.
A spokesperson for Ofgem said: “Our guidelines round back-billing are clear. Clients shouldn’t be pursued by their power provider for money they don’t owe.
“As we announced as part of our Consumer Confidence programme earlier this year, we are reviewing supplier billing practices, including billing accuracy.
“We’re additionally wanting intently at provider compliance with back-billing guidelines to make sure prospects get the service they’re entitled to.”
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