Iddon still unhappy over gas blunder

Following pressure by MP for Bolton South East Dr Brian Iddon, British Gas has agreed to pay compensation to some customers and has tightened up its meter reading policy

The issue was raised by the BEN after we highlighted the plight of gas users slapped with shock bills of up to £1,000.

Blunders by British Gas had led to customers being inadvertently charged per cubic metre of gas when household meters had been measuring in cubic feet.

The clanger meant consumers had only been charged one pound for every three pounds of gas used. They were then sent huge bills later making up the difference.

Dr Iddon had wanted British Gas to scrap its pursuit of those customers who owed money.

He brought the issue to the attention of the Minister for Energy John Battle, who wrote to Ofgas, the industry watchdog.

But Ofgas confirmed British Gas had the right to collect money for gas it had supplied, even if there had been an error. Dr Iddon said: "It's a mess. I'm still not happy."

He blamed the saga on the break up of the gas industry. The blunder infuriated customers, some of whom had even tried to tell British Gas their bills were too small.

Angry Jean Adamson, of Meadow Bank Road, Morris Green, said: "I told them two years ago my bills were wrong and I said I didn't want to be landed with a huge bill. The staff have been incompetent."

Even after she agreed to pay the outstanding £424, a mistake with her direct debit meant British Gas did not take her first instalment.

Mrs Adamson, 44, added: "I have never been in debt before. Now I am and it isn't my fault." She has been offered £225 compensation.

British Gas spokesman John Jessop said every claim for compensation was being considered on its merits. "We aim to deal with the situation sympathetically so that our customers do not suffer financially while paying for gas they have used."

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