An 88-year-old woman faced the prospect of a terrifying 740% increase in her monthly energy cost after receiving a ‘seemingly innocuous’ letter from British Gas.
The elderly pensioner received a letter through the door "without explanation" that suggested her bills could jump to as much as £9,000 per year – after being sent a completely different estimate just days earlier.
Her story has been revealed by Sefton Councillor Greg Myers, who represents the Norwood ward of Southport where the lady lives. He said the letter the woman received “at first appeared innocent, even actually quite helpful, stating ‘Let’s get you back on track.’.”
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However, according to the councillor the letter was anything but and was in fact telling the woman the amount she had to pay had increased from just over £1,000 a year to £9,000.
Cllr Myers said: “It went on to say 'we’ve noticed that you’ll need to pay a bit more each month’ but that ‘bit’ was in fact a colossal jump from under £90 to £753.20 a month”
He added: “Worryingly, the envelope had lain on her sideboard for days seemingly unimportant and it wasn’t until I spotted it and we opened it that we became aware of what they were intending to do.
“It’s a staggering increase that caused huge concern as that would be over £9,000 year for her – for a two-up-two-down semi.”
Cllr Myers said that just days before her annual usage had been calculated at a total of just over £4,000, adding: “So why on earth they were trying to get just over £9k a year from her I have no idea.
“It remains a mystery as I’ve had to make repeated calls to them and still have not had a proper explanation despite repeatedly asking. As it turned out their estimates were slightly over as well.”
He said that while the issue isn’t fully sorted yet, he is making headway, with British Gas agreeing to a review of the figures. But, he said: “it could have had a real financial knock-on for her if it had just slipped through unchallenged.”
The councillor issued a warning to other residents to “be very careful to check anything coming through from energy suppliers.”
He added: “The letters may seem innocuous as they are rather brief and can easily be confused with the frequent promotional material that comes through your door – but they are anything but.”
The councillor said that he is concerned for those who could face “real hardship” after confusion over the price cap leading some to think the energy issue is resolved – even though bills have actually just doubled for many.
Cllr Myers said: “There’s more than enough uncertainty coming from the Government currently so the last thing residents need is energy companies also doing things like this on top.
“Residents need every penny in this cost of living crisis, so I’d strongly urge everyone to keep a sharp eye on what’s coming through your letterbox presently and check any letters from energy companies that have already come through recently very carefully."
Centrica, the company which runs British Gas, was contacted for comment.
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