U-turn over charity's £17k no supply gas bill
BBCA charity which received gas bills totalling £17,000 despite not having a gas supply has had its debt cleared.
The gas meter at Lifelong Ability North East (Lane) base in Wallsend, North Tyneside, was capped before the charity moved in in 2023, yet energy company Engie still sent monthly bills.
Lane trustee Gill Gray said she was relieved at the U-turn but was frustrated that they had been fighting the bills for two years yet "all of a sudden, just because the press are involved, it's suddenly okay".
Engie apologised and said it was reviewing its processes. It also said it would make a "charitable donation" to Lane.
The charity, which provides day care and support for adults with disabilities, was sent bills totalling £17,506.73.
Ms Gray said the charity also received a call from a debt collection agency every month.
On Thursday, the energy company called to say a "line would be drawn" under the issue and that they did not owe them anything, the charity said.
'Debt cleared'
Ms Gray said: "They now agree that there is no meter and we haven't used that gas.
"I'm a bit in shock that it's all over now, it just feels so good."
She said she was concerned that this was allowed to happen, but was relieved to have time to concentrate on the charity's work.
"It should never have got to this," Ms Gray said.
Managing Director for Engie B2B Supply UK Rob Wells confirmed the debt had "been cleared".
"We apologise again for the situation and are reviewing our processes to ensure this does not happen in the future," he said.
