A Scottish hairdresser feared losing her home and business after an energy firm demanded she pay a £72,000 bill.
It took out sister title the Sunday Mail to step in before Maxem Power Supply Limited checked and discovered the real bill was £1170. Ann Marie Boyle, who opened Farrell Hair Design in Hamilton in June 2021, told how she laid off staff and was living in fear of debt collectors.
She said: “Within weeks of opening my salon, my direct debit of £96 a month was increased to £3000 a month. I don’t use that much energy or do that many clients. That would be enough energy for a street.
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“I’ve had to cut my staff back to two and close the salon most of the week as I can’t afford the lighting and heating costs. I was terrified to lose my business and my home over what is a mistake on their part.
“I’ve made myself sick with the stress and worry.”
Last month Ann Marie received a final bill from Maxen for £71,402.87 to cover her energy costs for the previous 11 months. The energy firm kept up its demand despite the Energy Ombudsman backing the 51-year-old.
Ann Marie said: “These bills just kept coming through the door. In the end I had to go to the ombudsman because Maxen were overcharging me on the unit price.
“I want to settle my bill, pay what I owe and be released from contract with them but I can’t pay £72,000 for their error. I’d have lost everything.”
The firm did not send an itemised bill, yet threatened legal action and referred Ann Marie to a debt collection agency. Maxem Power denies threatening her with court action or debt recovery.
Ann Marie said: “After a year of running around chasing people for help, the Sunday Mail stepped in and took the pressure off me and sorted it out straight away. I can’t thank you enough for your help.”
Maxen Power said: “The invoice of £71,402.87 was sent in error. We do acknowledge that error and, because all of our billing is printed automatically after bill generation, this was sent out prior to being able to stop it from being posted.
“A rectified bill was generated within 47 minutes and posted out to the customer along with the apology.”
An Ombudsman Services spokesman said: “ We’d encourage anyone with an unresolved complaint that has been ongoing for more than eight weeks to come to us as we may be able to help.”
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