A young Kirkcudbright family has been hit with an eye-watering electricity bill of almost £4,400.
John and Emily McNally got the red ink letter from Scottish Power two weeks ago.
The shock demand is the latest instalment in a long-running dispute over how much the couple actually owe.
They claim their meter is faulty and want the device checked by an engineer.
Scottish Power insists meter readings of electricity used are totally correct.
Mr McNally told the News: “This has caused us nothing but stress for a whole year.
“They won’t speak to me because it’s Emily’s name on the account.
“It has caused us upset and anxiety, especially since they began sending out final demands.
“Now we are worried that a debt collection company will turn up at our door.”
The couple, who moved into their home in Merse Avenue in November 2021, have two young children, aged five and one.
They claim over the past year Scottish Power told them to cancel direct debits, sent out cancelled bills and demanded thousands of pounds.
Mrs McNally complained to the Energy Ombudsman about the standard of service – but the wrangle continued.
She said: “In January 2022, I paid £389.29 then set up a direct debit, based on usage and agreed with Scottish Power, of £136.77, which went out on May 3.
“Next they put the debit up to £594 – which they then advised me to cancel – and on May 18 I got a demand for £2,277.01.
“We raised a complaint with the ombudsman and got £100 compensation and a reimbursement of £23.”
The couple supplied readings, requested by Scottish Power, to check electricity consumption.
Figures confirmed by the utility showed in two months to January 26, 2022, usage averaged 24 units daily.
But from then to mid May it jumped to 94 units – almost four times higher, despite warmer weather.
Mr McNally said: “After that we did a daily consumption test for a week at Scottish Power’s request.
“We have an Economy7 meter, the house is all-electric and we have a day rate and a night rate, which runs cheaper.
“The test showed we were using 10 units every day over the week and night usage averaged five units for six nights.
“But on the last night it jumped up to 17 units – yet nothing had changed in the house at all.
“I just wish they would have the decency and come and look at the meter.
“I know it’s faulty and there’s no way we’re using the electricity they say we’re using.”
His wife added: “We thought it would be better to pay something.
“In December we began paying £200 per month and paid the same in January.
“And I’m going to continue doing that until all this is sorted out.”
A Scottish Power spokesperson said: “In line with the findings of the independent Energy Ombudsman’s investigation, we are speaking to Mrs McNally to set up an affordable payment plan for both the outstanding arrears on her account and the energy that is currently being used at the property.
“While the ombudsman agrees with Scottish Power that there is no evidence that Mrs McNally’s meter may be faulty, we can install a check meter at her request.
“However, there will be a charge for this if no fault is found.
“Mrs McNally accepted the ombudsman’s findings in November 2022 and we have fully implemented all the recommendations set out.”
