Jim Chamberlin, who lives in Poringland, received an email from Bristol-based energy provider Ovo Energy on May 26 advising him it was increasing his direct debit payments to £178 per month, from £150 per month.
At the time, Mr Chamberlin’s account was £647.88 in credit, so he decided to challenge the company’s policy.
READ MORE: WATCH: Woman’s journey from N&N to Oxford with aunt’s ashes
The 73-year-old said: “About a year ago Ovo unnecessarily increased my direct debit so I cancelled it and then they tried again in May – saying it was to stop me getting into debt.
“It’s corporate bullying, unfair terms and conditions, and I felt I wasn’t being treated fairly.
“I wasn’t upset but I was angry and decided to play hardball with them over it, because I wasn’t about to roll over.”
After a four-month battle with the company, Mr Chamberlin went to The Energy Ombudsman to get the issue resolved once and for all.
On August 17 The Energy Ombudsman acknowledged: “Ovo Energy has breached the Consumer Rights Act 2015 which refers to unfair terms and conditions of a contract.”
It also added that a £100 goodwill gesture, previously offered by Ovo, was “fair”.
The win has encouraged Mr Chamberlin to urge others not to accept the stipulations some companies try to push upon their customers.
READ MORE: ‘They tried to charge £750 a month!’: Family’s shock after £5K energy bill
READ MORE: Frustrated city indies not reporting crimes due to police cutbacks
He added: “If someone was vulnerable they may have just rolled over and accepted it, which is what these companies expect.
“Some believe they can’t do anything but people can fight these things if it feels unjust.
“I want more people to know about what’s happened so that they don’t get caught out in the future because it shouldn’t be allowed to happen.”
Read the full article here
