JAMES Ollier didn’t know "watt" had hit him when his first ever electricity bill dropped through the letterbox.
The unemployed 23-year-old has been unable to switch off since getting the shock of his life from British Gas – to the tune of almost £23,000!
James, of Mill Street, Macclesfield, had visions of abandoning his newly rented flat – a lovenest since June with girlfriend Kirsty Littleton – and returning to his parents.
"I use a desktop computer, Playstation 3, two televisions and the bare essentials, which did have me thinking this couldn’t be right!" recalled James, a former King’s pupil.
The firm has since admitted the five-month bill was based on "incorrect meter readings" and should have read just £35.40.
James said: "At first I couldn’t understand this astronomical figure. I thought, this can’t be right. It’s my first ever electricity bill – come on, give me a break!"
A September bill of £17,211 leapt up another £5,500 a month later – leaving James considering pulling the plug on all their electrical devices. A final overdue reminder totalled £22,842.66p a fortnight ago.
"Somehow they must have read the wrong meters," said James. "I’ve been getting calls every day from different people. At first they asked for a bare minimum £2,000 down payment. If it continues, I’m not really sure what I’m going to do. I can’t wait until it’s over."
As the Macclesfield Express went to press, a spokesman from British Gas said: "We are sorry this has happened. Mr Ollier’s account was wrongly registered with British Gas business. It’s due to incorrect meter readings received from the meter operator. Mr Ollier’s correct bill is now £35.40 so there will actually be a small credit on his account."
His landlady, Lisa Connor, was not surprised.
"Estimated readings can cause problems – I have always thought it best to ring up companies with all the correct readings," she said.
