ONE of the storylines in Emmerdale, on ITV 1, involves the character Pearl Ladderbanks, played by actress Meg Johnson, struggling to pay off her energy bill.

The character has received a fuel bill for more than £1,000 and has no way of paying for it.

I found this storyline very interesting.

In fact, I wonder how many pensioners will find themselves in Pearl's situation in real life through no fault of their own.

I blame the greed of the energy companies. In my opinion they are simply not up to the job.

All too often bills are based on estimated readings and when the final bill - based on a real reading - arrives speechless customers are left owing a fortune.

You can write to the ombudsmen but I think this will be a waste of time because they are just another toothless bulldog.

Peter Jefferies, Durham.