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Kent MP Tom Tugendhat says he is being chased for money by an energy company

By: Nicola Everett neverett@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 15:48, 25 September 2018

Updated: 15:50, 25 September 2018

A Kent MP claims an energy company has "conducted a campaign of telephone intimidation through debt collectors" for money he does not owe.

Tom Tugendhat signed up to Economy Energy after finding a deal through an online switching site but cancelled his contract about a year ago.

He says they got his final bill wrong and, despite assurances the issue had been resolved, the company has now hired another firm to reclaim cash.

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Tom Tugendhat is going to raise the issue with the regulator. Picture: John Westhrop.

Mr Tugendhat, who represents Tonbridge and Malling, says they have been calling almost every day for the past two months and he felt compelled to speak out: "What I'm very concerned by is that this is a company that trades a lot in the United Kingdom and if they're willing to do it to me who else are they doing it to?

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"How many vulnerable people in our community are being harassed by companies like Economy Energy for debts they don't owe?"

According to industry regulator Ofgem, the company was the third worst among small suppliers for the number of complaints it received in the first three months of this year with 102 per 10,000 customers.

Data also shows only around one in 10 complaints to the supplier were resolved by the next working day.

After posting a message about his experience on twitter, Mr Tugendhat said he had been contacted by many other people who have had similar problems: "I raised this not because I'm feeling at all vulnerable, I'm not and I'm perfectly able to look after myself against such a bullying outfit.

"But, it's my responsibility to speak out and to encourage other people to stand up for their rights and not be bullied by a company that's willing to use its power to harass individuals."

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He is now planning to speak with Ofgem and the minister responsible.

Economy Energy has been approached for a comment.

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