Kevin Jackson, from Hadfield, Greater Manchester, had transferred to British Gas after promises of lower bills.

But when he did not get any at all, he had to enlist the help of watchdog Energywatch to get British Gas to sort it out.

The power firm has finally sent him his bill for the past two years, taken off 10% as a gesture of goodwill and given him three years to settle the balance.

I'm surprised British Gas manages to make millions if this joke is anything to judge them by Kevin Jackson

Mr Jackson asked British Gas, part of Centrica, for electricity in November 2001, but despite taking a meter reading a year later the bill was not issued.

Mr Jackson said: "I'm surprised British Gas manages to make millions if this joke is anything to judge them by.

"Why they didn't want my money has never been explained to me."

British Gas told BBC News Online a small number of customers had experienced difficulties when transferring their electricity, but added the issue had been well-publicised and was being dealt with.

A spokesman said: "These problems, relating to the transfer of customer's data, have created difficulties for all suppliers in billing a small proportion customers - including in our case Mr Jackson.

"Following our efforts this year we have already considerably reduced the overall number of delayed bills customers receive.

'Realistic compensation'

"British Gas provides discounts for all our customers affected as well as payment arrangements to suit their needs."

But Mr Jackson said it was only taken seriously when he enlisted the help of Energywatch.

Energywatch's North West chief David Sidebottom welcomed the 10% discount as "a start" but said the mistake was inexcusable.

He added: "A customer should not have to be reduced to pleading for a bill.

"We want to see compensation levels reflect the distress and inconvenience these billing blunders cause consumers."