Broken energy market

SIR – After my second power supplier went bust, I was transferred to Shell Energy. My bills doubled, as both the standing charge and the unit cost doubled. Shell wanted more than a doubling of my direct debit, so I am paying the bill in full each month.

This month, Shell ignored the meter readings I supplied and “estimated” 60 per cent and 40 per cent more than my actual use for the bill. I paid the sum I should have been billed, based on the readings supplied.

Now I am getting threatening emails, telling me that my credit rating may be damaged if I do not pay what has been demanded in full. This is not the behaviour of an honest supplier.

The diversified energy market is not working. We desperately need a coherent government plan for power supply that works for consumers – domestic and commercial.

Gillian Courage

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

SIR – Like many others (report, May 5), I found that my energy supplier was overcharging by deducting exaggerated estimated payments by my direct debit. My account was several hundred pounds in credit, but the supplier refused to make a refund.

I immediately cancelled my direct debit and now pay the correct amount online for the actual energy consumed according to my meter readings. Peter Froggatt

Dorking, Surrey

SIR – Those calling for a windfall tax on oil and gas producers should remember that the Chancellor then decides who should get help, with yet more formfilling required.

The way to help consumers instantly is to remove the green taxes – which can amount to 25 per cent of the payment – from our bills.

The energy companies are awash with green money, so this tax could be removed for (say) six months.

Penny Cole

Watlington, Oxfordshire