They share the same surname and live on the same Dalton road.

But neighbours Kathryn and Tracey Schofield – who live ten doors apart – are at the centre of an energy company mix-up that leaves Kathryn receiving electricity bills for both households while Tracey is wiped from the system.

The problem started in May 2012, when Kathryn, of Wakefield Road, switched her gas and electricity to Npower for a cheaper rate.

But it soon became clear there had been a blunder when letters started arriving telling her she was in credit – before she had even paid anything.

Kathryn, 49, who lives with her partner Graham Wilkinson, said: “I rang them up to tell them I’d not paid anything yet and they said they would sort it.

“But that’s where the saga began and it has just gone on and on.”

Kathryn has received 18 letters during the past 12 months, detailing different billing amounts and meter readings that she knows have never applied to her property.

But despite calling Npower’s call centre, the mistake remains unresolved.

“I kept ringing to say I’m fed up and to tell them it was wrong,” explained Kathryn.

“I even had managers telling me they would sort it out.

“I actually think they’ve put everything into one pot and now they don’t know where we are.”

Tracey, 48, also of Wakefield Road, began growing suspicious when she stopped receiving electricity bills, despite being a customer for 27 years.

Tracey, who continued to pay the same weekly amount, also found her details had been wiped from the system when she queried the error.

Tracey, who is married to John, said: “I’m absolutely fed up. I keep talking to different people and it just keeps happening again.

“I feel bad for Kath.

“I just don't understand why it is taking so long to figure it out.

“They must get this a lot, where people are related and live on the same street. I can’t see why it is a problem.”

An Npower spokesman said: “We’re really sorry to hear about the problems that the Schofields are experiencing.

“We’re fully aware of the mix up and we’re working hard to resolve this with both customers.”