Energy billing blunders leave people in debt, says Stunell

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 8th Jul 2003

Local MP, Andrew Stunell, is backing Energywatch, the National gas and electricity watchdog in their Better Billing campaign to force energy companies to send accurate and timely bills to their customers. According to Energywatch, over 2,000 customers in Stockport have had problems with their energy bills in the last year.

Andrew Stunell said: Energy companies are creating serious problems through their billing blunders. Customers are receiving exorbitant bills at irregular periods of time. Many people in Stockport have been left facing debt and confusion¡¨.

Energywatch are calling for bills to be:

"X On time - at least every 3 months.

"X Accurate - based on a clear meter reading rather than an estimate.

"X Understandable - simpler bills so that prices can be compared with other suppliers.

Mr Stunell is urging energy companies to follow Energywatch¡¦s guidelines and face up to their responsibilities:

"I'm asking energy companies to recognise the rights of their customers and stop this confusion. Ultimately customers have the power; they can swap providers if they're not satisfied. When in doubt - query your bill."

ENDS