'There is no way we have used £26,700 of power - it's impossible'

ENERGY PROVIDER AGREES TO REINSTATE ELECTRICITY

- By COREENA FORD

THE founder of a Grimsby charity says she is determined to continue with its vital food bank service, despite having its power cut amid a £26,700 bill dispute.

Pam Hodge launched the Rock Foundation 17 years ago to provide a lifeline to young people and adults with learning disabilities, introducing a food bank for hard-pressed households in the Grimsby and Cleethorpes area in the following years.

Two years ago the organisation moved into its new community hub in Garibaldi Street, with ample room for freezers to stock food for its food bank operations, which is used by up to 500 people every week. That vital service, however, is now in jeopardy after its power supply was cut by provider Total Energies, amid a dispute over its energy usage.

The energy provider has now agreed to reinstate the power, after Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, stepped in to help the much-valued organisation, involving Ofgem while putting pressure on the French utility provider's CEO.