Sparks fly over power firm’s pricey demands
Pub landlord blasts ‘national scandal’
A furious publican has been hit with a £2,500 bill to simply sign up to a new power supplier.
Allan Strang, who runs the The Black Bull in Renfrew with his partner Shiona Sillars, blasted: “As if we don’t have enough on our plate.
“This is a national scandal.
“They told me it’s because they now regard the whole hospitality industry as a bad risk.
“We have been their customer for 15 years and never missed a bill yet - this stinks.”
As a wet sales only pub, it will not reopen until May 17.
The demand from utility firm Npower has floored the pair, who are now having to run on the expensive tariff after their contract ran out.
Allan, 57, and 60-year-old Shiona have now brought in the town’s Tory parliamentary candidate Julie Pirone to fight the case.
He said: “This is not just about us. It seems to be widespread.
“It is disgusting I am being asked to put £2,500 into what is effectively a bond.
“The amount is equivalent to four months of our power bills.
“Everyone should be treated individually.
“We pay by monthly direct debit and owe nothing.
“If we owe money, they should just switch us off, instead of demanding this huge amount in advance.”
Ms Pirone believes pubs across Renfrewshire are being hammered by the high voltage demands and said she will stand “shoulder to shoulder” with them.
She said: “This utility company is punishing hospitality businesses with a bill for thousands of pounds as they seek to rebuild after Covid-19.
“Pubs like the Black Bull are being penalised through no fault of their own.
“They have suffered immensely over the last year and are now facing a bill for thousands at a time when they should be looking forward to reopening.
“This publican is desperate to reopen, but is already having to wait a further three weeks due to not having any outside space.
“The last thing he needed was a bill like this out of the blue.
“Npower and other utility companies must rethink this course of action.
“It is a potential hammer blow for pubs like the Black Bull and there is a real fear that many could be forced out of business.
“They have received some grant funding but during this pandemic, the SNP have been too slow to get funding out the door to businesses.”
Npower was contacted by the Express, but failed to respond.
They now regard the hospitality industry as a bad risk
Allan Strang