My 90-year-old father-in-law’s electricity meter was changed by Scottish Power 14 months ago. The bill that arrived six months later used the reading from the old meter on the day it was replaced so he was charged much less than he should have been and received a refund of £280. Since then, he has telephoned Scottish Power on many occasions to try to get them to rectify matters but without success. I, too, have phoned, written and emailed. This is worrying him greatly, to the extent that he reduced the heating in his home to ensure that the final demand is not too great. EH, London
Scottish Power’s new billing system, introduced last year, caused it to become the most complained about energy company since records began.
A spokesperson explains that the new meter details were not correctly added to the account, but not why this was not discovered after your numerous attempts to resolve the problem. The happy ending is that the debt your father-in-law so dreaded has been waived as a “goodwill gesture”.
If you need help email Anna Tims at your.problems@observer.co.uk or write to Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Include an address and phone number.
