You don’t have to tackle energy bills on your own. Introducing @DES_Scope!

Hannah_Alumni

We know that many of our members in the community have been concerned about energy bills. That’s why we are thrilled to have @DES_Scope here with us.

If you didn’t...

Scope’s Disability Energy Support is a free energy advice service for disabled people, or households with a disabled member, living in England or Wales.

You can speak to an advisor either by telephone appointment or by email. With support for questions and queries such as:

• Are there any cheaper energy tariffs with different suppliers?
• I’m not in debt but I’m struggling with my energy bills, what can I do?
• I’m in debt with my energy supplier. I can’t afford the payments they want, what can I do?
• What is the Priority Service Register?
•  When can I apply for the Warm Home Discount?
• I am not able to top up my prepayment meter, what can I do?
• When will the next government support payment be paid?

And much more.

Disability Energy Support is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm. Language adjustments and video calls with a British Sign Language interpreter can be made.

We would also encourage members to check out their online advice and support pages:

• energy saving tips
• accessing energy benefits, grants and trusts
• understanding how to use your heating controls
• discount on water bills

Let’s all give a big community welcome to @DES_Scope   🥳👏

Albus_Scope

Welcome to the community @DES_Scope!

66Mustang

Is DES a new person, or, just a new account controlled by the existing Scope employees?

Whatever, welcome all the same.  

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @66Mustang

The @DES_Scope account is our Disability Energy Support Service They'll be posting any updates and new information to help us with supporting community members  

Biblioklept

Hannah_Scope said:

• I’m not in debt but I’m struggling with my energy bills, what can I do?
  
• I’m in debt with my energy supplier. I can’t afford the payments they want, what can I do?
• What is the Priority Service Register?
•  When can I apply for the Warm Home Discount?
• I am not able to top up my prepayment meter, what can I do?
• When will the next government support payment be paid?

Could they post some answers to some of these here?? Would save them answering the same thing over and over and would probably help lots of people

Welcome @DES_Scope

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Biblioklept

They will be Just welcoming them onto the community today and letting them have a look around the forum!

veriterc

I have been trying to get an accurate figure with an approximate cost of running my night  storage meters, but my Energy supplier just won't come clean.  I have even asked if I can
pay for one of their staff to visit my property and advise me of what approximate cost will
be, but they Won't reply.
Any ideas how I can find out please?

Kaala

I get the 2nd lowest rate of PIP & £300 from my husband which means I can just clear my bills each mnth, but can't afford to put the heating on
Despite having a 50% reduction in our water bill, this has to be kept tight aswell

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @veriterc I would reach out to Disability Energy Support advisor (0808 801 0828) to help further support you. I am so sorry to hear that they are not being cooperative! 

@Koala I am so sorry you have been unable to put the heating on. Scope has a Get Ready For Winter campaign, with tips and support that you may find helpful. Can I ask, are you on the priority services register? 

veriterc

Almost certain I am on the Register, but will check.  With your backing in mind, I have finally 
got through to my energy company (phew!) and they are coming to my home on
Tuesday - Any ideas of things I can ask for, or should be asking please?

Amberpearl

I owe British gas over 2 thousand pounds 
I can't pay 

veriterc

Re Energy costs.  I see BBC had story about yet another British 'gas customer being landed with a massive unexplained bill, out of the blue. The featured family were lucky - apparently they had an
apology from British Gas.  Three years on, I now have a very supportive advisor from a charity 
trying to get an answer from British Gas, but can anyone tell me why charities should support us 
to fight these companies?  If they behaved decently there would be no need for them to waste
hard-won funds in this way, those funds could go where they are genuinely needed.  Companies like British #Gas seem to have no morals, and happily leave us to suffer without any compunction.

Adrian_Scope

Hello @Amberpearl, have you looked at British Gas energy trust? 

luvpink

I am on means tested benefits so unfortunately I don't think I would qualify for any assistance.
Can someone let me know the criteria for 50% water reduction?
Thank you.

Amberpearl

Adrian_Scope said:

Hello @Amberpearl, have you looked at British Gas energy trust? 

I did   and I did contact cab too
No guarantee I'd get help as I owe more than the max they pay to clear debts