Rutherglen residents chased by Scottish Power for thousands of pounds they don't owe due to "nightmare" bills mix-up

A “nightmare” electricity bill mix-up has caused a group of Rutherglen neighbours to be chased for thousands of pounds they don’t owe.

Residents at Glenroyal Gardens have been receiving each other’s utilities bills since moving into the new-build homes on Cathcart Road last year. The group, many of whom are pensioners and vulnerable, are being pursued by debt collectors – in some cases for more than £1600 – and sent constant reminders of the money they are said to owe – even though ScottishPower have admitted it is aware of issues with its information.

The Reformer understands that incorrect information about which electricity meter was connected to which home when the properties were built is thought to be at the root of the issue.

In one letter, ScottishPower and debt collection agency EOS state they are applying for a warrant of entry to a property.

They say that a further £27 has now been added to the bill, which is several hundred pounds, due to this.

Concerned resident Eleanor Harkins told the Reformer: “It’s a nightmare and has been since the start. We’re all getting each other’s bills. You’ve got people who say they’ve never got the gas on suddenly being charged hundreds of pounds for it.

“We’ve had someone out recently who said he was a debt collector and was asking about these unpaid bills, and we receive constant letters and text messages about it.

“When you phone customer services and explain, they just say it will be noted, but another message arrives a few days later.

“There’s a lot of elderly people here and others who are vulnerable, and it’s really worrying them.

“These are people who’ve never been in debt or had any issues all their life and they’re being chased over this – it’s very scary for them. One person was told his bill is over £1600 and he’s adamant he never uses the gas. It’s happening to lots of us.”

Residents may need to arrange visits from ScottishPower to each of their homes in an attempt to rectify the problem.

A ScottishPower spokesperson said: “We would like to apologise to any residents in Glenroyal Gardens currently experiencing issues with their billing from ScottishPower and would encourage any residents who believe they are receiving the wrong bill to get in contact with us so we can help resolve the situation.”