Pensioner in sheltered housing complex 'aghast' at gas bills

Mayfield complex in Ramsey charged as a commercial customer

A pensioner from Ramsey is calling on Isle of Man Energy to meet with members of the housing board where he lives to reduce the price of gas.

Eric Corkish pays £47 a week for his two-bedroom apartment in the sheltered housing complex Mayfield. 

He told Manx Radio when the residents there questioned it they were told the energy provider is charging the facility a commercial, rather than residential, rate.

Mr Corkish says the old and vulnerable should 'not be ripped off' just to have heat in their premises:

Luke Parker is a commissioner and the lead member for housing at Ramsey Town Commissioners. 

He told Manx Radio these concerns had been brought to his attention however it's up to the Ramsey and Northern Districts Housing Committee, which manages this accommodation, to discuss the issue with Isle of Man Energy:

Isle of Man Energy told Manx Radio: "Thank you for the opportunity to respond - in this instance our customer is the sheltered housing provider rather than the individual residents. 

"This means it is a commercial customer and is charged as such."

You can hear more on this in this episode of NEWSCAST: