The boss of Manx Gas has apologised after disconnection letters were sent out by mistake to 2,000 customers.

Managing director Ian Plenderleith blamed a ‘billing system error’.

He explained that while the bills had been sent out, reminder letters were not and the system went straight to sending out disconnection notices.

Mr Plenderleith said: ’I’d like to sincerely apologise to each and every customer for the distress this will have caused.’

One customer said she was ‘absolutely gobsmacked’ to received the disconnection letter, which warned she would be cut off if the bill for £351.81 wasn’t paid within the next seven days.

Mr Plenderleith said: ’We have undertaken a thorough investigation and identified that the problem occurred during the first three weeks in April.

’Our system showed reminders had been raised but they were not sent. We have taken steps to ensure that an error of this type cannot occur again.’

He said customers should disregard the notices they have received between Monday May 11 and Wednesday May 13.

’All affected customers have been put back into the normal billing and payment cycle so do not need to take any immediate action regarding these disconnection notices,’ he said.

’Our specialist customer services team is on standby to take calls from any customers who wish to talk through their bills and their account and how this might affect their subsequent bills.

’We appreciate that some of our customers may be facing financial hardship due to the current Covid- 19 pandemic and we urge anyone concerned about their ongoing situation to contact us.’

Mr Plenderleith said any customers who have been materially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic will be supported by Manx Gas.

Manx Gas’ customer services team is available 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday to answer questions and to provide advice on 01624 644444 or by emailing [email protected].