A PUB landlady says she could be forced out of business after Npower TRIPLED her electricity bill.

Margaret Fitton signed a fixed-price contract shortly after taking over at the Boltmaker's Rest in Rock Street, Oldham, five years ago.

But when the £150 per month contract expired she was told that she would have to pay almost £450 a month for the next 12 months.

She said: "It's crippling me. It's only a tiny pub. I can't afford to pay that kind of money."

Margaret says she was told by Npower that she should have given them three months notice to get out of the contract.

She said: "Nobody told me this. I have contacted other energy companies and got quotes that are far cheaper than Npower are charging.

"I have made numerous attempts to get them to talk to me about the situation, but I can't get anywhere with them."

After being contacted by the M.E.N., Npower have now talked to Mrs Fitton about her options.

She said: "They have told me if I find the cheapest alternative quote I can, they will match it, and backdate the new figure to April - but I will have to pay £1,200 to unlock my contract. I would be no better off if I have to pay Npower's fee.

"I have been trying since February to sort this out, and if they had helped me straight away, I wouldn't be in this mess. It has caused me so much anxiety."

An Npower spokesman said they understood that many small businesses are facing pressure, but added: "The cost of wholesale energy has soared in the last 12 months, with the cost of gas and coal increasing by 122 per cent, and the cost of oil by 79 per cent.

"Unfortunately this means that we cannot continue to supply energy at the prices quoted five years ago.

"Npower's terms and conditions state that 90 days' written notice is required from customers who wish to terminate their contract with us. Because Mrs Fitton did not serve notice, Npower bought energy on her behalf to ensure her supply at the new rates quoted."

Npower said it has worked with other businesses to help them save money by using less energy.