Paul wins battle of the £7,000 bill

MY battle with British Gas . . . Paul examines the huge bill

A DETERMINED businessman has won a David and Goliath-style battle with British Gas after receiving a whopping £7,000 electricity bill.

Paul Meredith (33) was shocked when he received the demand for the small bar he operated on Yorkshire Street.

Initially, British Gas claimed Mr Meredith owed a mammoth £7,095 — even though he paid his bill by direct debit every month.

But after a six-month wrangle and an investigation by the energy ombudsman, the final bill came in at £1,721.

Mr Meredith, who lives with his wife and daughter in Hillside Avenue, Grotton, ran the bar as a part-time business alongside his profession as a building surveyor with Tameside Council. He sold the bar at the beginning of the year.

He said: “I was horrified, particularly when British Gas said the amount would be taken from my account by direct debit the following month if I did not pay up.

“It still sends shivers down my spine when I think about it.

“This action would have closed down my business by severely damaging the cash flow. I stopped my direct debit immediately and complained to British Gas.

“At first, I thought I had no option but to start legal proceedings against them.

“However, I discovered British Gas had recently joined the energy ombudsman scheme and was trading under his by-laws. The ombudsman investigation found on two occasions I had provided British Gas with meter readings which they had ignored.

“I believe they then realised what a catastrophic mistake they had made.”

Clare Hopkins, local manager for the Oldham and Rochdale branch of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “Mr Meredith faced a real ‘David and Goliath’ situation.

“Businesses should always question a utility bill if they feel it is too high.

“They should also check bills when they arrive and ensure the meter readings are accurate. They should not be afraid to challenge any of the utility companies.”

A British Gas spokesman said: “Mr Meredith took his case to the ombudsman and we were content to accept the resolution they proposed.”