In a news story published exclusively by the sun, Pete and Dee Marney recently returned home to Norfolk, UK, after a relaxing vacation in Spain, only to be shocked by an eye-watering gas bill. Despite being away for an entire month, the couple found a substantial charge on their bill, which they believe was unjustified since their home was unoccupied, and all gas appliances were turned off, as per their usual practice when away. 

The situation took a bizarre turn when Pete, a 71-year-old ex-Army veteran, delved into older bills and discovered that their gas bill had also spiked during a previous absence earlier in the year. He expressed his surprise and frustration, stating that their gas bills had never exceeded £100 a month before. 

Seeking answers and resolution, Pete contacted British Gas, their energy provider, but was met with frustration as he struggled for months to get a satisfactory response. The couple’s efforts to communicate with the company seemed to be in vain, leaving them feeling stressed and anxious. 

In his attempts to understand the sudden surge in the gas bill, Pete ruled out the possibility of increased electricity consumption, as their electricity bills remained consistent at around £2 a day, indicating that only essential appliances like the fridge and freezer were operating during their absence. 

Pete dismissed a suggestion by a British Gas agent that someone might have moved into their property and used their gas, as their trusted neighbor is the only other person with access to their house, and he only looks after the place when they are away. 

The couple’s concerns are heightened due to their age, with Pete’s wife being in her 80s. The rising bill costs have made them cautious about using their heating system and instead resort to wearing extra layers to keep warm. 

Pete has since lodged a formal complaint with British Gas, expressing his frustration at their inability to address the issue promptly. He highlighted that, in addition to the £325.19 direct debit charge from September, they were also billed £161.31 for May when they were also away, contrary to their usual minimal gas expenses during vacations. 

Speculating that the issue might be with the meter, Pete demands a resolution to the matter that has left them feeling unsettled and worried. 

In response to the situation, a British Gas spokesperson acknowledged the complaint and apologized for the delay in investigating the matter. The company has assured Pete that they will conduct a meter accuracy test and review the billing concerns with him. 

Another instance of this happening is when Ada Daly, a 73-year-old resident of Oban, faced significant financial struggles due to demands from British Gas.  

To cope with soaring energy prices, Ada was forced to pay an astounding £500 per month for her gas bills. 

Despite having a metric meter installed, British Gas continued to calculate Ada’s bill using imperial measurements. This oversight resulted in Ada paying nearly 2.5 times more for gas at her small flat since she moved in seven years ago. British Gas eventually admitted their mistake and expressed being “extremely sorry” for the oversight. As a form of redress, they reimbursed Ada with £3500, along with a meager £250 goodwill payment. 

Ada described the experience as a prolonged nightmare of not being heard for seven years. The burden of excessive fees imposed by British Gas compelled her to tighten her financial belt, causing immense stress and frustration. Her outgoings surpassed her incomings, forcing her to give up annual holidays to South Africa to visit family, cancel her TV package, and forgo social activities with friends, cinema trips, and dining out. 

The financial strain also affected Ada’s health and well-being, as she had to borrow money from her son every month to meet her bills. The situation led her to delay much-needed dental appointments and even take on two part-time jobs to generate additional revenue for the relentless demands of British Gas. 

Throughout this ordeal, Ada felt the weight of the financial burden placed upon her by the energy provider, causing immense strain on her quality of life and daily expenses. 

The quote from Ada highlights the drastic impact of British Gas’ errors on her livelihood and her personal well-being. It emphasizes the need for energy companies to take responsibility for their mistakes and rectify them promptly to avoid causing distress to their customers. 

What is the cause of the cost of living and energy bills rising?

First and foremost, fluctuations in global energy prices have a significant impact on the UK’s energy costs. Disruptions in the international energy market, geopolitical tensions, and changes in supply and demand dynamics can all lead to higher energy prices, which are ultimately passed on to consumers. Additionally, the UK’s dependency on imported energy, particularly natural gas, exposes the country to price volatility.

Moreover, inflationary pressures can contribute to the overall increase in the cost of living. Factors such as rising wages, production costs, and general economic growth can lead to higher prices for goods and services. These inflationary trends put a strain on households’ budgets, leading to a higher cost of living as everyday expenses rise.

What should you do if you think your energy supplier is overcharging you?