Elderly struggling with heating bills

[dave50]

If an elderly person has the heating on to keep warm during the winter but cannot afford to pay the bill, what can the energy company do about it if anything? I assume they wouldnt cut them off and let them die of hypothermia so what would happen?

[factor-fiction]

Why just old people?

[sandyRoe]

They'd probably want to install a pay as you go meter if they used gas or electricity. Which would be as good as cutting them off.
They might argue that the winter fuel allowance means that nobody should be in the position of not being able to pay.
I'm getting an oil delivery soon and know it's going to be expensive.

[naomi24]

I'm not sure, Dave, but I don't think the energy companies are allowed to cut the supply to elderly people off. That doesn't stop them worrying themselves sick about bills though.

Oil's gone down a bit now Sandy. We paid over £800 for our last tank, but a friend tells me he's just paid about £600.

[emmie]

Sandyr pay as you go works out a lot more expensive than having a bill.
It would also depend on whether the elderly, or otherwise, person tells the utility company they are struggling. In my experience many don't. They cut back on other things. One could contact the utility company, explain the situation, and they should work out a safe, affordable plan for the person.
The trick here is getting someone to understand the problem, have you tried to contact your company lately, many are now sited overseas, and not sure they may understand the urgency of some of these cases.
If i were struggling i would contact the company, and if they were no help, talk to Age UK, Citizens advice.

[fliptheswitch]

Don't people over a certain age get help? Isn't there a scheme or something set up?

[B00]

winter fuel allowance flip.

[emmie]

flip, not that i know of. I have had to sort mine out, and someone else's, and getting the company to understand the problem is a bit of a minefield. Call centre are a bane.

[fliptheswitch]

That's the one! Yes, as B00 says, Winter Fuel Allowance :))

[EvianBaby]

Flip - Over 60's get a winter fuel allowance. I think the last one my Dad got was something like £200/£250. But with prices as they are and with such long winters, I don't imagine this going far with someone who survives on a state pension.

[fliptheswitch]

http://www.direct.gov...etirement/dg_10018657

[fliptheswitch]

em, if it's British Gas you are referring to, you have my deepest sympathies. "Useless" doesn't even begin to describe them!

Evian, that's not much, when you think about how high fuel is, is it. Disgusting, really.

[B00]

But if the weather drops below a certain temperature they also get an extra payment don't they?

[EvianBaby]

Not sure B00, possibly.

Also, as it's paid as cash into a bank account there may also be the temptation to use the money towards other essentials and not go to heating at all.

[factor-fiction]

http://www.direct.gov...nRetirement/DG_179916
It starts at age 60 and the amount can be up to £300 for those aged over 80.
It's more than those below age 60 get

[starone]

I'm trying not to turn the heating on until the last possible moment. In order to achieve this I sit with a blanket round my legs and feet and an extra cardigan on if it gets too chilly. Looks like we are going to get a couple of nice days so that will help. Pity we can't store the heat of the sun while it is here.

[fliptheswitch]

If they use it for something other than heating (rum in docs case) then they have nothing to complain about!

[emmie]

Boo, you have to have a consistently cold spell, there is a temp level, can't remember what it is, before extra payments kick in.
There is help out there, but believe me that money, and yes I know it's a benefit to the elderly, doesn't go far. I am basing this on any number of elderly people i know who struggle with their utility bills regularly.
And BG are a nightmare,
If anyone is struggling they should contact the company, but over 60's
try Age UK.

[B00]

<<<would love 200 quid towards my heating bills!

[China Doll]

<<<< Would just love £200....

[fliptheswitch]

Lol :D