EDF has apologised to a Hull hairdresser after a billing error led to a shocking debt.
Hull: A hairdresser named Kerrie Preston got a big surprise from EDF. She received a massive bill that could shut down her business.
Kerrie runs Inglemire Barbers and has been in business for nine years. Her electricity rate jumped from 17p to 33p per kWh when her old tariff ended. EDF didn’t inform her that her direct debit needed to increase.
Six months later, Kerrie got a bill for £1,165.80. She thought she was in credit, but instead, she was over £1,000 in debt. She was shocked and immediately called EDF.
When she contacted them, she learned she was not in credit. Kerrie feels EDF failed her by not warning her sooner about the debt. The Ombudsman suggested EDF pay her £125 for their mistake, but she believes it’s not enough.
Kerrie expressed her frustration, saying, “I’m a small business.” She feels that if EDF can do this to her, they can do it to anyone. She has invested her life savings into her shop.
Now, she faces the possibility of closing her business. Kerrie loves her community and cherishes the connections she has made with her clients.
EDF has proposed a repayment plan that would take 36 months. However, Kerrie worries that rising energy prices could add to her financial burden.
An EDF spokesperson said they are sorry for the oversight and are working with Kerrie to resolve the issue. They are following the Ombudsman’s instructions and offering a repayment plan.
