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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Anna Tims

Shocked by a home electricity bill estimate of £40,000

Angled close-up of an old analogue electricity meter showing the digits clicking over
OVO’s estimate was 10 times higher than might have been expected for a three-bedroom home Photograph: Clynt Garnham Energy/Alamy

We received a statement from our electricity provider, OVO, citing a projected annual bill of £40,052.43. We live in a three-bedroom house with storage heaters and had expected our bills to total around £4,000. I called to query this and spoke to a customer service agent who at first couldn’t see the problem, then worked out a sum that was more reasonable. A few days later, we were informed that the annual estimate was now £52,235.64. I called again and spoke to an agent who couldn’t understand my concern since it was an estimate, not a bill. I logged a complaint via the website and was asked to send a photo of the estimate. I then received a message telling me that no further action would be taken.

EH, Nethy Bridge, Scotland

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