CUSTOMERS WITH
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
ENERGY is essential for everyone, but it is likely to be at risk. Affordability continues to
particularly important for older people, those be a key social issue for energy suppliers
with certain medical conditions or the and their customers. The number of house-
housebound. holds estimated to suffer from fuel poverty
A Supply Licence Review conducted by is approximately 543,000 in Scotland, 1.5
Ofgem in consultation with UK energy million in England and 243,000 in Wales.
suppliers between 2006 and 2007, resulted Tackling fuel poverty effectively needs a
in a more focused obligation on suppliers to combined and sustained effort from
protect customers who have special needs. Government, who have responsibilities to
Suppliers must provide special services ensure low income households receive the
for the physically vulnerable, including a relevant benefits; housing providers, who
password scheme and a free meter moving have a responsibility to maintain the
service. The Review also tightened the housing stock and report on its condition,
criteria on eligibility for free gas safety and energy suppliers.
checks, which will enable suppliers to focus For more information click here:
their resources on customers who are most http://www.scottishpower.com/Overview10.htm