Opus cuts £8,000 bill down to £709

Opus Energy has backed down from demanding an extra £8,000 from a licensee and increasing bills by 75%.

Furious Darren Tingle was told he owed £8,000 — more than three weeks' takings — because supply had been underestimated throughout his contract. Monthly bills would also increase from £320 to over £557 until his contract ends next May.

He and his wife Lynn feared they may become homeless. Trade at the Old Captain's House in Bigrigg, Cumbria, would need to increase by 40% to pay the inflated bills, Darren said.

The licensees signed up with Opus when they took on the pub in March 2006. Opus said the extra money was needed because rates were based on figures from the previous supplier, which had underestimated consumption.

Opus has now agreed to cut the amount owed from £8,000 to £709, with monthly payments back to £320. The Tingles were also told they could switch supplier.

Darren said: "It's a relief — as far as we were concerned we would lose this place and become homeless. We even went to the homeless department at the council.

"Takings have dropped to around £2,500 a week. When you are asked to find £8,000 you don't know what to do."

A spokeswoman for Opus Energy said: "We have apologised to Mr Tingle and his family for any distress the incorrect invoice caused.

"We spotted the error shortly after the invoice was sent out and tried to contact Mr Tingle immediately.

"The error occurred as Mr Tingle's payment plan relied on data supplied by his previous supplier and a meter operator, which was woefully inadequate."