sevillana endesa
According to the couple's electricity meter, they have consumed a little more than 30,600 kWh in fifteen years. January's bill shows a consumption of 999,949 kwh which works out approximately at the average consumption of 200 people in winter
20.02.09 - 11:04 -
Félix's complaint has yet to be resolved. / JOSELE-LANZA
Marbella resident Rita Rodríguez got an unpleasant surprise when she opened her electricity bill a couple of days ago. According to Sevillana Endesa, Rita and her husband Félix owe 169,347.76 euros - for January alone. Alongside the bill was another one for the previous month (December 18th 2008-January 23rd 2009) for the considerably lesser sum of 118 euros. "I couldn't believe it," Rita says. "I have a bad heart and started to suffer palpitations. I had to sit down," she explains.
Rita, who lives with her retired husband on La Serranía development, says that the new system of sending out monthly electricity bills was confusing enough for them, and the previous month they received another two bills, one for 102 euros and another for 19 euros. The couple paid them, but put in a complaint to the electricity company. "Before that our bills had never exceeded 40 euros a month, which is still quite a lot considering that we have a gas cooker and heater, and that we are very careful with what we spend," says Rita.
This time round the couple have put in another complaint to Endesa, who contacted them and explained that the disproportionately high bill was down to a computer error. "The woman from Endesa told me not to worry and she would call me back the following day, but I don't understand. Computers are handled by people aren't they?" asks Félix incredulously. The following day Félix tried to call Endesa to clear up the matter, but to no avail. "I was left listening to the on-hold music," he complains.
As the couple's bills are paid by direct debit, Félix decided to go to the bank and cancel payments to Endesa, even if that wasn't necessary, "I don't even have that kind of money in my account anyway!" he explains.
According to the couple's electricity meter, they have consumed a little more than 30,600 kWh in fifteen years. January's bill shows a consumption of 999,949 kWh, which works out approximately at the average consumption of 200 people in winter.
In the meantime, the couple have sought legal advice, and are worried that by refusing to pay the bill they will have their power cut off. They have also been left wondering if the mistake is a one-off or if they will be faced with another nasty surprise next month when they open their mail.
Rita, who lives with her retired husband on La Serranía development, says that the new system of sending out monthly electricity bills was confusing enough for them, and the previous month they received another two bills, one for 102 euros and another for 19 euros. The couple paid them, but put in a complaint to the electricity company. "Before that our bills had never exceeded 40 euros a month, which is still quite a lot considering that we have a gas cooker and heater, and that we are very careful with what we spend," says Rita.
This time round the couple have put in another complaint to Endesa, who contacted them and explained that the disproportionately high bill was down to a computer error. "The woman from Endesa told me not to worry and she would call me back the following day, but I don't understand. Computers are handled by people aren't they?" asks Félix incredulously. The following day Félix tried to call Endesa to clear up the matter, but to no avail. "I was left listening to the on-hold music," he complains.
As the couple's bills are paid by direct debit, Félix decided to go to the bank and cancel payments to Endesa, even if that wasn't necessary, "I don't even have that kind of money in my account anyway!" he explains.
According to the couple's electricity meter, they have consumed a little more than 30,600 kWh in fifteen years. January's bill shows a consumption of 999,949 kWh, which works out approximately at the average consumption of 200 people in winter.
In the meantime, the couple have sought legal advice, and are worried that by refusing to pay the bill they will have their power cut off. They have also been left wondering if the mistake is a one-off or if they will be faced with another nasty surprise next month when they open their mail.
