A MUM-OF-TWO told how she is being charged hundreds of pounds for solar panels – which she claims she didn’t want in the first place.
Shazmeen Khan, 37 – who already struggles to pay her £60-a-month-energy cost – has accrued a £329.48 bill for the eco-friendly installation.
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The mum objected to the panels being put up, but was told they were mandatory as part of a council scheme in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.
Shazmeen is now desperate for the panels to be taken down because her bills “don’t make sense” .
The panels were installed as part of a joint scheme between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Community Energy Scheme UK Limited (CES).
Shazmeen told Stoke-on-Trent Live: “I am living off benefits with two kids myself, I am barely surviving.
“I have been so upset and depressed.
“I am in arrears already because the prices have gone up and that’s how much I can afford to pay.
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“They are sending me bills every time.
“It doesn’t even make sense.”
Shazmeen was told the fee is paying the CES – part of the Solarplicity Group – back for the cost of installing the panels.
The firm are now taking legal action to force her to pay.
She added: “I am very frustrated and angry. They say they will take me to court if I don’t make the payment.
“I don’t know what to do. I feel like I’ve been deceived and ripped off.
“I am so stressed. I feel like I need help and nobody is helping me. I am in a mess that I’ve been put in by somebody else, I’ve been dragged into it.”
BILL SHOCK
A CES spokesperson insisted all customers know what they are signing up for.
The statement read: “We have been very flexible in our approach to customer payments and have recently set up a bespoke Stoke-on-Trent-based team to support those customers who have not been paying their bills.
“Options available to customers who engage with our team and provide an accurate metre reading could, for example, include 24-month payment plans or an export to the traditional energy grid for new energy use.
“However, when customers do not engage with our efforts to work with them, we must take appropriate enforcement action to settle their debts.
“We continue to encourage all tenants to get in touch if they have any questions or concerns so that we can support them.”
The Sun has contacted Stoke-on-Trent City Council for comment.
