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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Levi Winchester & Kieran Isgin

Bulb customers hit by energy bill error as firm issues apology

A billing error at Bulb means that some customers who pay by direct debit will see payments taken later than usual.

Not all customers will see an issue, with only a "small number" of households who usually pay their bills on June 1 being affected by the error. Bulb, which serves around one million customers, has emailed all those impacted with the details and date of when their money will be taken out, the Mirror reports.

Customers who are affected by the error will not have to do anything as the money will be taken out automatically. The energy firm claimed a "technical outage" caused the issue with its direct debit provider, according to MoneySaving Expert.

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An email sent to affected households reads: “We usually take your energy payments on the 1st of the month. Unfortunately, a technical hitch has caused a delay this time.”

It continued: “Sorry for the extra hassle. We’ll be back to normal for next month.” Those who have been affected by the error should ensure that they have enough money in their accounts for when the money eventually gets taken out.

A spokesperson for Bulb said: "Due to this outage a small number of DD payments for 1st June weren’t taken. We’ve already begun communicating this to affected members, explaining that their payments will be taken in the coming days, giving them appropriate notice of the payments. No other payments were impacted that day and members don’t need to take any action."

In November last year, Bulb was placed into "special administration" after the company admitted it could no longer afford to operate its business. It meant the firm was supported by taxpayers' money so it could continue to provide energy to its customers. However, Bulb has recently reopened its energy hardship fund to help support customers who are struggling with their bills.

It includes provisions of a £140 grant that customers don't have to repay as well as a potential £2,000 write-off on debts. The help from Bulb is offered in conjunction with Citizens Advice. You can access the Bulb fund online.

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