Glyn Davies, Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, is asking Llanfyllin residents who have recently received LPG gas bills from British Gas, despite being contracted to other suppliers, to get in contact with his constituency office.
Many residents in Llanfyllin have recently received bills for LPG gas from British Gas which have been backdated 12 months. This is despite the fact that they are contracted to other energy companies and have therefore already been billed by their supplier.
Glyn Davies’ office have contacted British Gas’ executive office who state that unlike ‘standard’ piped gas, the LPG network is closed and therefore not open to competition. Llanfyllin is classified as a ‘propane estate’ and since the opening of the market in 1996, estate customers are recognised as an exception to the privatisation of the gas supply market. This is because there are very few ‘propane estates’ within the UK, meaning that it would not be viable for new providers to take over these supplies as the cost would be prohibitive.
Furthermore, British Gas states that although work is ongoing to open up the market to other suppliers, other energy companies should be aware that currently they are not allowed to bill customers for LPG gas consumed in Llanfyllin.
British Gas have told Glyn’s office that if it has been determined that a customer account has been created in error, British Gas can work with the supplier to remedy their mistake and ensure all payments are refunded. Glyn and Llanfyllin County Councillor Peter Lewis are therefore asking for any residents in Llanfyllin who have been affected to contact them.
Glyn Davies MP said:
“It is a ludicrous situation that many Llanfyllin residents have seemingly been paying for their energy with one company, only for them to be expected to pay again with a different supplier.
“Although it seems that British Gas have a monopoly on gas supplies in Llanfyllin, the point is that regardless of which supplier is in the wrong, their customers should not be expected to be charged again for gas which they have already paid for.
“I have asked for a British Gas representative to meet with me in Westminster as soon as possible, and I would ask for anyone affected by this to contact my office.
Cllr Peter Lewis said:
“I have already been contacted by many residents who are very concerned that they have received bills from British Gas backdated 12 months, some of which are for over £1000. One resident has been told by British Gas that her account can be backdated for over 7 years.
“It is a worrying situation that a major company can have a monopoly on gas supplies within one area, preventing consumers from changing supplier. It is even more worrying when the energy companies neglect to inform anyone of this.”
Any residents affected can contact Glyn Davies MPs office on 01938 554037 / [email protected] , or Cllr Peter Lewis on 07966 302708 / [email protected].
