Help from British Gas
November 2004
MP guide from British Gas
We want to do everything we can to help vulnerable and fuel poor customers, but effectively targeting our
assistance remains a challenge. Many of the constituents who turn to you for help are likely to be among
those most in need of the range of measures we can provide, so I thought it would be helpful to outline
these for you.
here to HELP
The British Gas 'here to HELP' partnership offers free energy efficiency measures, benefits health checks
and additionall services for elderly, disable and other vulnerable customer. The programme has already transformed
the lives of tens of thousands of people and we are now extending it to enable more customer to enjoy its benefits.
Households on a wide range of benefits such as Pension Credit and Council Tax benefit are eligible.
We are backing this with a major TV advertising campaign next month which will highlight the telepohone number
you can refer constituents to - 0845 6012123.
Price Promise
British Gas and Help the Aged have jointly launched a package of guaranteed energy prices with additional
benefits aimed at our most vulnerable older customers. The Price Promise is available to any energy consumer
aged over 60 in receipt of pension credit and offers energy prices capped at the existing level to 2007. This
means that prices will not rise further for those customers who register yet they will still benefit if prices
fall over that period.
Price Promise also offers free home insulation, a 'benefits healthcheck' and free access to the services
on British Gas's Priority Service Register - which include support such as appliance adapters and controls,
a password scheme for added security and a free yearly gas safety check. You can refer constituents to the
Price Promise on 0845 600 0294
Energy Trust Fund
Despite the range of help available to vulnerable and fuel poor customers, we know that there are some
customers who still cannot afford to pay their bills. So, British Gas has set up a Trust Fund of £10 million
from which customers will be able to seek financial help - not only for their energy bills but also, in extreme
cases of hardship, for other essential household bills such as water or telephone bills. Applicants should
telephone: 01733 330732; e-mail bget@charisgrants.com or write to British
Gas Energy Trust, PO Box 42, Peterborough PE3 8XH
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