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FPB urges SMEs 'to check utility bills'

Published On 23 April 2007 at 12:56:35

Small businesses have been urged to make sure they are not being overcharged for their utilities.

The Forum of Private Businesses (FPB) has warned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to carefully check their utility bills carefully after reports emerged of some businesses being overcharged for their electricity.

One FPB member was faced with a £16,000 electricity bill from Scottish Power after the company incorrectly estimated the SME's electricity usage and then failed to update the bill after the error was reported.

"Some energy suppliers are happy to give you a low estimate, but the danger is that, if it is inaccurate, there could be a big bill to pay in the long run," said Philip Moody, the FPB's senior member services representative.

"It is irresponsible to allow such practices to continue. They may not miss a black hole in their accounts of several thousand pounds, but to a smaller business that is a lot of money."

Recently, it was reported that the number of complaints that British Gas received doubled between October 2006 and March 2007.

 

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