British Gas sent me a £571 bill for a flat I’ve never owned or lived in

British Gas Sends £571 Bill for Non-Existent Flat

A resident from Northampton has reported receiving a £571 bill from British Gas for a flat they have never owned or occupied. The individual, identified only as IW, claims that the utility company opened an account in their name without their consent. Despite the lack of a tenancy agreement or mortgage statement—documents the company requested and which IW cannot provide—the situation has escalated to threats of debt collection.

British Gas has declined to investigate the matter further, citing IW's inability to furnish the requested documentation as the reason for their inaction. The resident has expressed frustration over being pursued for payment on a property they have no connection to, highlighting concerns about the practices of utility companies in handling account disputes.

This incident raises broader questions about consumer rights and the responsibilities of energy providers in verifying account ownership before billing customers. As the cost of living continues to rise in the UK, such cases may become more prevalent, prompting calls for greater regulatory oversight in the energy sector.

Source: www.theguardian.com – https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/apr/14/british-gas-bill-flat-debt-collector-never-owned