Aslan

Apr 16, 2025

This Company Should Be Investigated – Unjust Billing & Exploitative Practices

I am a single individual living alone in a one-bedroom flat, using electricity extremely moderately. I barely turn on the lights and avoid high-energy appliances entirely. So, when I received a £250 electricity bill in my first month, I was absolutely stunned. It defies logic—even large families in London with higher tariffs than in Scotland pay less than I’ve been charged as a single person. My flat has a Heat Interface Unit (HIU) to heat water. Though I have an electric heater, I’m charged separately for electricity and heating. Despite using the heater sparingly, my bills reported usage of over 1,000 kWh per month—that’s 20 to 40 kWh per day, which is completely disproportionate. When I requested daily meter readings, I discovered that the meter showed excessive consumption even when I wasn’t home and had all appliances, including the heater, completely switched off. This strongly suggests a faulty or tampered meter. Whenever the HIU or heater is used, the charges skyrocket. Although there must be regulatory guidelines around such systems, these charges seem excessive and unregulated. Unlike traditional gas suppliers, this setup lacks transparency and oversight. To make matters worse, my accommodation provider—Holland Park and Community Utilities—has failed to provide proof of any gas supplier or receipts for the charges they claim to pay. There is zero transparency in the billing process. It increasingly feels like a coordinated scheme targeting residents, particularly international students, who may be less familiar with UK laws and utility systems. This situation has seriously affected my mental and physical health. The financial strain and psychological stress left me unwell for over three weeks. Even after avoiding the heater entirely and being away for half the month, I still received a £100 bill—which is simply outrageous. Initially, I was on a £87 monthly subscription. Without any notice or consent, £250 was suddenly withdrawn from my account. When I questioned this, I was told the tariffs had changed and that I was notified by email—an email I never received. Taking large sums without notice or consent is not just unethical—it feels criminal. On top of that, there’s a 5% penalty fee to cancel the subscription, making it even harder to leave an exploitative system. Frankly, Community Utilities should be investigated and disbanded. Their billing practices are unregulated, their meters are likely inaccurate, and their entire model appears predatory. Despite numerous complaints from residents, properties like Holland Park continue to work with them. One can’t help but question—are they profiting from this too? Community Utilities prey on vulnerable residents, especially international tenants, knowing they may be less likely to challenge unlawful practices. Complaints are ignored, buried, and dismissed. Avoid this company at all costs.