Ex-licensee's £13k bill dispute

A former licensee is locked in a dispute with energy giant E.ON about backdated electricity bills worth £13,693, resulting from a meter-reading error.

Bill Campbell, who ran the Railway Bell in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, for 14 years until May 2010, is "absolutely amazed" that E.ON is pursuing payments for the period between February 2003 and February 2009.

His case is now with the Energy Ombudsman and he is awaiting a ruling.

Campbell first agreed a contract with E.ON in April 2002 and was notified of a slight price reduction to £129 per month on 29 April 2008.

On 5 February 2009, however, E.ON increased Campbell's monthly direct-debit payments to £1,655.

The company gave no explanation for the huge rise, according to Campbell, and he subsequently cancelled his direct debit.

He claims it was not until 7 April 2011 that E.ON provided a full explanation for the increased charges, stating it had been issuing bills pertaining to an incorrect meter.

Campbell had made various payments up until that point to keep his energy supply, including almost £4,000 since November 2009.

He then received a letter from the debt collection agency Advanced Collection Systems, pursuing payment of £15,735.58, £400 legal costs, and 8% interest per annum.

E.ON has attempted to reach an agreement with Campbell totalling £9,500 payable over 24 months, which Campbell has rejected.

"The whole thing is just absolutely ridiculous," he said. "E.ON has demanded back-payment charges for its mistakes."

"If the charges had been made during my tenancy and paid correctly over that six-year period it would have been a different matter.

"However it is outrageous for E.ON to demand such payments now that I am out of business, having left the property in May 2010.

"The pressure this has put upon me played a significant part in me leaving my business of 14 years."

E.ON said it is unable to comment on the matter while the case is with the Energy Ombudsman.

If you have had problems with your energy supplier, please email nqnz.crfpbq@jeoz.pbz​.