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Media

As snow storms grip Sian Lloyd urges pensioners to call helpline 2 February 2009

As parts of Britain are paralysed by the worst snowfall in 20 years, TV Weather Presenter Sian Lloyd has today called for people to call a helpline to help those around them who may need support in staying warm during the extreme weather.

In the wake of reports that a foot of snow has fallen in some parts of the South East, evidence has shown that those on low incomes – including pensioners, single parents and those living with disabilities – will be most vulnerable to the cold and ensuring they can keep the heat on during this arctic spell will be a crucial priority.

As part of a strategy to combat this, the Home Heat Helpline – available on 0800 33 66 99 – can put vulnerable people onto lower tariffs, issue grants for insulation and offer a disconnection safety net to ensure that people’s health is not endangered during the extreme cold of the snowy spell.

Amidst predictions that further bitter winds and freezing air from Russia is set to arrive over the next 24 hours Sian Lloyd has called on all people to provide the helpline number to those neighbours, friends and family members who might need it, or to call themselves if they are at risk during the snow spell.

Ms Lloyd said: “This winter is already one of the coldest in recent years, with temperatures well below average.

“Unfortunately, those who most need help with their gas and electricity bills this winter often find it hardest to find out what practical help is available. That’s why I’m encouraging anyone who is over 70, disabled or suffering from a long-term illness, as well as one parent and low income families, to call the Home Heat Helpline or visit the website now for free help.

“The helpline can offer reduced energy tariffs, full grants for insulation and a disconnection safety net that ensures that vulnerable customers will not be cut off even if they are unable to pay their bill.”

The Home Heat Helpline, the Britain’s only dedicated fuel poverty helpline, has also launched a new online service at www.homeheathelpline.org.uk which will allow customers to log enquiries online and arrange for advisors to call them back.

For more information visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk or call 0800 33 66 99.

ENDS

Notes to the Editor

For further information, photos or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson or case study for the Home Heat Helpline, please contact:

Peter Jenkins, Head of Communications and Media Relations, 020 7104 4161 or Claire Gibson, Senior Press Officer, 020 7104 4162

1. The Home Heat Helpline operates from Monday to Friday 9am-8pm and from 10am-2pm on Saturday.

2. The Home Heat Helpline is a free number – 0800 33 66 99 – and website providing vulnerable customers with a direct link to specialist teams at their energy supplier, who can deliver one or more of the following services:

a. The Priority Service Register which provides extra services for people who are elderly or disabled including bills in large text or Braille, security passwords and an annual gas safety check

b. Grants for free home insulation

c. Flexible payment options for customers in fuel debt

d. Benefits entitlement checks

e. A disconnection safety net which means that vulnerable customers will not be cut off even if they are unable to pay their bill

3. The Home Heat Helpline has received support from Help the Aged, Age Concern, Citizen’s Advice, National Energy Action, Energy Saving Trust, Counsel and Care and One Parent Families/ Gingerbread.

4. The Home Heat Helpline is managed by the Energy Retail Association and paid for by contributions from Britain’s major energy suppliers – see below.

5. The Energy Retail Association (ERA), formed in 2003, represents the major electricity and gas suppliers in the domestic market in Great Britain. All the main energy suppliers operating in the residential market in Great Britain are members of the association – British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, npower, Scottish Power, and Scottish and Southern Energy.