An energy provider says an 86-year-old man owes thousands of pounds after a bill misprint and has threatened court action. Ernest Earl, a retired teacher and Bletchley Park serviceman from Hove, says the claims that he owes Octopus Energy almost £4,000 for his energy bills at his flat are false and that the money is owed to him. Mr Earl was transferred from energy provider Bulb to Octopus Energy in March 2023 after the company went into liquidation and has since been told he owes the company thousands after believing he was in credit.
Ernest Earl at his flat in Hove (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus) Mr Earl said: “I have served this country in war and to keep being accused like this is a disgrace. “All I want is justice. I have always paid my bills, I do not have any debt.
“It is despicable.” Mr Earl described how the accusation has caused him a great deal of upset and stress after losing his wife in 2019 and suffering with serious health issues. He says he has been contacting Octopus Energy through emails and letters asking them to explain the charges since July 2023.
In a closing bill from Bulb covering the period of October 2019 and March 2023, Mr Earl was told his account was £4,156 in credit and that, over the period, he had paid in £6,767, with energy costing £2,069. Ernest Earl said it is 'despicable' (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus) READ MORE: Woman taken to hospital after two-vehicle crash in Hastings Mr Earl states that his bank statements reflect the �.