The dawn of a new error

AWAY back in December 2015, Steve Grubb, of Dunfermline, got in touch with Raw Deal about letters he’d been receiving from Scottish Power.

The letters were about power used – or not used – in a flat he’d rented between May and July, 2015.

Something had gone wrong somewhere and, as was eventually established, Steve didn’t owe a penny. It all seemed done and dusted. However, several months after this all seemed sorted, he got a bill from Scottish Power saying he still owed £87.45 from the flat. What was going on? He told Raw Deal about this and we quickly got to the bottom of it. It was a mistake, Steve did not owe any money. Scottish Power apologised and issued a £50 cheque to Steve by way of apology. We were happy with this. And Steve, being a generous soul, donated the £50 to charity. He wasn’t concerned with the money, he was only concerned that his name was clear.

Steve was pleased with what we’d done for him and told us; “Thank you very much, it’s good to know you are there, taking on big business on behalf of ordinary people.”

However, Scottish Power also sent Steve a letter of apology, which he showed to us.

One sentence caught our eye. It said: “Scottish Power is currently experiencing a billing defect which has resulted in invoices being issued to customers displaying the incorrect amounts.”

Now that is alarming. A “billing defect”?

Raw Deal would urge all readers, if they are Scottish Power customers, to check they have been billed correctly.