AN ABERPORTH hotel is facing an uncertain summer season after a warrant was granted to disconnect its electricity supply.

NPower requested a warrant to enter the Penrallt Hotel and disconnect its energy supply on Wednesday, after informing Aberystwyth magistrates that the premises had an outstanding bill amounting to £13,220.54.

The hotel’s director wrote to the court stating there were 18 privately owned two-bedroom holiday cottages and a three bedroom house on the site. All were connected to the same supply and meter as the hotel, making it difficult to calculate how much electricity was used by each property.

The letter, read out to magistrates, said: “We asked NPower to change the meters as there was no way to calculate how much is used by the hotel. They refused and said it was not their problem.

“We have tried to negotiate and have offered a payment plan.”

The court heard that the substantial investment had been made in the business, which employs 20 members of staff and brings trade to the area.

The letter added that summer bookings may have to be cancelled if the electricity was disconnected.

Alistair Joyce, representing NPower said no payments had been made, and the company did not have the facilities to separate the meters. He added that Npower did not want to disconnect the hotel, and would rather receive payment.

Magistrates granted the warrant to enter the property and disconnect the supply, which is due to take place in April.

The presiding magistrate said: “It seems a very strange set up, one meter for all those houses.”