Fuel Poverty

[Gary L]

What is going to be done about it?

1 in 4 households are in fuel poverty.

something is going to burst soon. and it won't be a frozen pipe.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15352599

[Alan Fry]

Nationlize the UK energy companies!

[Hugh]

We had fuel poverty in the 60s and 70s - we got round it by wrapping up warm in a jumper, and closing doors behind us, not expecting to wander round the house in winter in a t-shirt....

[nomadking]

Most of the costs are completely outside their control.

[Alan Fry]

So why are the UK energy companies making a lot of money (some of which is going to the german and french governments)

[nomadking]

Originally Posted by Alan Fry

So why are the UK energy companies making a lot of money (some of which is going to the german and french governments)

Any amount of profit has more to do with size and volume of business. They are hardly the size of a corner shop. Another factor is where the unit price has to set at a level which will cover their fixed costs in the event of a milder winter. If the usage is greater than anticipated, then their profits may appear greater because of the larger volume of business.

In that year energy companies made a smaller margin on their sales than most supermarkets.

[Taf]

There is a scheme that allows certain groups cashback in the Spring, but the rules and sums available are very tight.

We can't get it despite the twins being disabled because they specify ESA with a disabled premium, a premium they can't get because they live with their Carers, i.e. their parents.

But if they were claiming Jobseekers Allowance instead they would get the disabled premium and therefore get the cashback!

---------- Post added at 13:52 ---------- Previous post was at 13:50 ----------

If you are finding it difficult to afford your energy bills, you may be able to apply for a £120 rebate on your electricity account under the Warm Home Discount scheme.

The Warm Home Discount scheme was introduced to offer help to those customers who are in receipt of certain benefits and who meet the additional criteria set down by Government.

The rules of the Warm Home Discount scheme are very precise and we are only allowed to pay the rebate to those customers who fully meet the criteria and who are happy to provide proof of their benefit entitlement if requested. If you are in receipt of any of the benefits listed below and meet the additional criteria as stated, you are welcome to apply for a Warm Home Discount rebate:

Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support allowance which MUST include the support or work-related activity component
Pension Credit (please note that if you are in receipt of Pension Credit you do not need one of the following criteria to qualify for the rebate)

AND you also have any of the following;


A child under the age of five living with you
A disabled child premium
Child Tax Credit which includes a disability or severe disability element
A disability, enhanced disability or severe disability premium
A pensioner premium, higher pensioner premium or enhanced pensioner premium

[Alan Fry]

Originally Posted by nomadking

Any amount of profit has more to do with size and volume of business. They are hardly the size of a corner shop. Another factor is where the unit price has to set at a level which will cover their fixed costs in the event of a milder winter. If the usage is greater than anticipated, then their profits may appear greater because of the larger volume of business.

Thanks for telling me!

[nomadking]

Originally Posted by Taf

There is a scheme that allows certain groups cashback in the Spring, but the rules and sums available are very tight.

We can't get it despite the twins being disabled because they specify ESA with a disabled premium, a premium they can't get because they live with their Carers, i.e. their parents.

But if they were claiming Jobseekers Allowance instead they would get the disabled premium and therefore get the cashback!

---------- Post added at 13:52 ---------- Previous post was at 13:50 ----------

The rules for non pensioners are specific to the energy supplier.

Can other people get a Warm Home Discount?
Energy suppliers may also give a £120 rebate to some other customers in vulnerable groups (called the broader group). Each electricity supplier has different eligibility criteria they will use to decide who may get the rebate. See ‘Financial support from energy suppliers’ to find out more.

Broader Group schemes

This may be an issue for many in rented accommodation.

your name, or your partner’s name was on your electricity bill

Bad news on the British Gas one.

Unfortunately the Warm Home Discount Scheme is now closed to new applicants.
The Scheme for 2012/2013 will open in April 2012.

[Gary L]

Originally Posted by Hugh

We had fuel poverty in the 60s and 70s - we got round it by wrapping up warm in a jumper, and closing doors behind us, not expecting to wander round the house in winter in a t-shirt....

What about the old people who do wrap up instead of walking around the house in a t-shirt, and still feel the cold. who as well as being cold can't afford to heat the room?

and back to fuel poverty.
it's costing many people up to £50 per week for gas and electric at the moment. that's a big chunk of money if you're on (dirty word) benefits.

[Hugh]

Originally Posted by Gary L

What about the old people who do wrap up instead of walking around the house in a t-shirt, and still feel the cold. who as well as being cold can't afford to heat the room?

and back to fuel poverty.
it's costing many people up to £50 per week for gas and electric at the moment. that's a big chunk of money if you're on (dirty word) benefits.

£50 per week, which is approx. £225 per month?

How can that be? - I live in a 4 bedroom detached house, and my standing order for Gas and Electricity (dual fuel) is £137 per month.

[martyh]

Originally Posted by Hugh

£50 per week, which is approx. £225 per month?

How can that be? - I live in a 4 bedroom detached house, and my standing order for Gas and Electricity (dual fuel) is £137 per month.

my duel fuel is £30-40 per week 3 bed semi as long as it doesn't get too cold

[heero_yuy]

Last quarter just in for gas £57 Lecky still pending but usually £120 on winter quarters.

We're not cold nor is the house particularly well insulated though there is 8+ inches in the loft and full primary/secondary double glazing and we go on draught hunts when it's windy. Just careful and a bit of shared bodily warmth.

Technically we're not in fuel poverty but if we had it toasty warm in all rooms it would cost a mint.

[devilincarnate]

They are trying something where we live but I would say that it is the wrong way to go about it?

Vulnerable people in Barnsley are being given winter survival kits in a bid to keep them warm during the cold snap.

More than 2,000 packs, which include a blanket, hot water bottles, packets of soup and a thermometer, are being given to vulnerable families and the elderly.

They are being given out by volunteers after Barnsley Council received £150,000 of funding from the Department of Health.

It is hoped the pilot scheme will be rolled out fully next year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...shire-16960772

[nomadking]

Don't they already have things like blankets/duvets?