Licensee's gas bill probed

British Gas has put a licensee's account on hold while it investigates an out-of-the-blue gas bill of £10,543.

Peter Saxon, of the freehold Swan Inn at Alderton, Norfolk, said he had been with the company for two years, despite trying to switch to a different supplier numerous times.

He had previously raised concerns that his bills were too high, and British Gas said it would install a smart meter to help cut down on his consumption.

But he said it was never installed.

"We pay £540 every month by direct debit and now they want £10,500 on top of that," said Saxon.

"We're a small pub. How could it be this expensive?"

A British Gas Business spokesman said: "British Gas Business is working closely with the customer to investigate the significant and unusual increase in usage the Swan Inn has experienced.

"There are a number of local factors which may have led to meter-reading issues.

"Until that investigation is concluded British Gas Business has put the account on hold and we have apologised to the customer for any inconvenience."

Over the past year or so, a number of licensees have complained to the Morning Advertiser about being sent bills for thousands of pounds each, demanding back-dated payments for utilities.

• Have you received a massive gas or electricity bill out of the blue? Email zn.rqvgbevny@jvyyvnz-errq.pb.hx​