A city man has urged others "not to roll over against corporate bullying" after taking on an energy giant in a four-month-long battle.

Jim Chamberlin, who lives in Poringland, received an email from Bristol-based energy provider Ovo Energy on May 26 advising him it was increasing his direct debit payments to £178 per month, from £150 per month.

At the time, Mr Chamberlin's account was £647.88 in credit, so he decided to challenge the company's policy.

Norwich Evening News: OVO Energy are a Bristol based companyOVO Energy are a Bristol based company (Image: PA Media)

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The 73-year-old said: "About a year ago Ovo unnecessarily increased my direct debit so I cancelled it and then they tried again in May - saying it was to stop me getting into debt.

"It's corporate bullying, unfair terms and conditions, and I felt I wasn't being treated fairly.

"I wasn't upset but I was angry and decided to play hardball with them over it, because I wasn't about to roll over."

After a four-month battle with the company, Mr Chamberlin went to The Energy Ombudsman to get the issue resolved once and for all.

On August 17 The Energy Ombudsman acknowledged: "Ovo Energy has breached the Consumer Rights Act 2015 which refers to unfair terms and conditions of a contract."

It also added that a £100 goodwill gesture, previously offered by Ovo, was "fair".

The win has encouraged Mr Chamberlin to urge others not to accept the stipulations some companies try to push upon their customers.

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Norwich Evening News: The Energy Ombudsman said the energy company had breached the Consumer Rights Act 2015The Energy Ombudsman said the energy company had breached the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (Image: PA Media)

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He added: "If someone was vulnerable they may have just rolled over and accepted it, which is what these companies expect.

"Some believe they can't do anything but people can fight these things if it feels unjust.

"I want more people to know about what's happened so that they don't get caught out in the future because it shouldn't be allowed to happen."