My cat’s stopped moulting the last six months to keep warm

MOST people pay their utility bills every quarter.

But pensioner Eddie Furness has been asked to pay for five years’ electricity – in one go!

The retired engineer has been hit with three bills from British Gas dating back to July, 2003.

Normally grandad Eddie, 64, of Lindley, pays between £80 and £130 per quarter.

But since May, the father-of-two has received bills ranging from £993 to a huge £1,599.

Mr Furness said: “When I saw the first two bills I got a bit depressed.

“I thought the price had gone up so much I couldn’t afford it. I’ve no TV, just a cooker and a small heater. I’m not using anything that eats electricity. I daren’t use the electricity until this is sorted out.

“My cat’s stopped moulting the last six months to keep warm.

“My daughter has rung British Gas six times in a bid to sort it all out.

“I’ve paid all my bills and I’ve got receipts. I don’t think they’re quite the full shilling!”

A spokeswoman for British Gas said: “We apologise for the confusion with Mr Furness’ meter readings which led to this situation.

“We were in contact with Mr Furness and corrected the problem. There is now no outstanding amount on the account and we have not been made aware of any further problems.”