ELDERLY folk are getting distressed after receiving electricity bills that have been hugely overestimated, says a retirement flats warden.

Steve Phelps, who is the scheme manager at the Sandringham Court retirement flats in Bournemouth, says many of his elderly residents have been sent estimated bills that are far too high.

And he warns that the demands from Southern Electric are causing people unnecessary worry.

Steve told the Daily Echo: "Quite a few of my residents are concerned about bills that have been hugely overestimated.

"One received an estimated bill for £145 for the summer quarter. It really makes people very uncomfortable. Older people get very concerned about these big bills."

He added: "Why is the electric company doing this?

"We have 33 flats and it seems that everybody who has come to me has been charged £50 or £60 too much.

"That adds up to at least £1,500 in just one building.

"Southern Electric has hundreds of thousands of customers."

A spokeswoman for Southern Electric said anyone who was concerned about an estimated bill could call the company with the correct reading and an amended bill would be sent.

"Customers can phone us at any time to make sure their bill is accurate," she said.

"We want to act on the most accurate information that we can, as it's in everybody's interest.

"We're legally obliged to read meters every two years, but we actually read them every six months."

Higher than expected estimated bills may have been based on higher usage at another time of the year, she said.

Elderly and vulnerable customers who want to ensure accurate bills could also contact Southern Electric's Careline service, which offers more regular meter readings.

Contact Careline on 0800 622838.