The owners of a beloved Powys fish and chip shop were left in shock after receiving a letter from their energy supplier suggesting they could be facing a bill for nearly half a million pounds.

Tim Harrison who runs Caersws Fish Bar was left stunned after receiving the letter from British Gas suggesting their next payment could total £495,583 – roughly twice the value of the entire business and property.

“It did give us a moment’s panic, not to mention yet another problem to deal with,” said Tim.

County Times: The family run business was shocked when they received the bill from British Gas.The family run business was shocked when they received the bill from British Gas. (Image: Tim Harrison)

“I saw it and thought ‘no way’ but then a bit of you thinks ‘could it? Prices are crazy...no...’”

The shop is widely loved across the county for its unique twists on the traditional fish and chips.

With inventive takes such as their “ridiculous” fish finger, a Bhaji burger, consisting of a giant bhaji, sieved raita, fish and mango chutney all served in a naan and its latest creation – Welsh rarebit on chips – it has led to praise from customers and double Michelin star chefs.

OTHER NEWS:

The shop received the letter in July from British Gas after only just switching over to a smart meter, which Tim’s father, Philip, said was installed to help with costs.

“The smart meter was fitted to overcome the ridiculous estimated bills that we were dealing with,” said Philip.

“When we rang up, it was dealt with, but we were told it took 60 days for the smart meter to work properly.”

Tim added that while this was easily spotted to be an error, it was concerning that smaller mistakes could be missed.

“They immediate accepted it was an error over the phone,” said Tim.

County Times: Tim Harrison, who runs Caersws Fish Bar said the bill did give them a moments panic Tim Harrison, who runs Caersws Fish Bar said the bill did give them a moments panic (Image: Ruairi Walsh)

“But there is the fear that these automated systems owned by untouchable corporations that don’t seem to harbour any responsibility for all of the other cock-ups they make, could just end up pursuing us for a clearly false bill.

“How can we, the general public, trust a system that can make errors of this magnitude? This error was noticeable due to its enormity, perhaps there are millions of minor over billing events going unnoticed and paid every week.

“In the current climate, if a person’s gas bill doubled they could easily believe it and pay it and just be ruined by it.”

A spokesman for British Gas owner Centrica said: “Clearly this is incorrect, the image shown is a meter reading request, in which customers would submit their reading. 

“This is not a bill, we will get in touch with Caersws Fish Bar to discuss help and support available and confirm that we have the actual readings from their smart meter.”