British Gas hike affects all but most vulnerable

roy_harper

How do British Gas know who is most vulnerable? Do you have to ring them to see if you qualify?

Premier_2

I heard they use crystal balls :cool:

KimYeovil

It is those who have contacted British Gas and moved to the Essentials tariff that are unaffected (until after winter). These people, however, are, mostly, not actually 'vulnerable'.

British_Gas

If you are on very low income and on means tested benefits we can help, through our Essentials Support package. For more information and to find out if this applies to you visit our Essential Support page.

If you would like any more information about today's announcements then please watch the following video from our Managing Director Phil Bentley

savemoney

Bare in mind that the price cuts earlier this year from BG did apply to Essential tariff so it swings and bouts

Also the essential tarrif may not be cheaper or cost much more than a internet based account where you submit your readings and also pay by direct debit you can do that one essential tariff

The last 2 years the essential tariff hasn't increased nor decreased per unit from what I recall

You just just have to be on a low income but vulnerable ie old, or disabled

Yellowcard

savemoney wrote: »

Bare in mind that the price cuts earlier this year from BG did apply to Essential tariff so it swings and bouts

Also the essential tarrif may not be cheaper or cost much more than a internet based account where you submit your readings and also pay by direct debit you can do that one essential tariff

The last 2 years the essential tariff hasn't increased nor decreased per unit from what I recall

You just just have to be on a low income but vulnerable ie old, or disabled

Being of an elder age isn't just enough, you have to be in receipt of a means tested benefit also

KimYeovil

Yellowcard wrote: »

Being of an elder age isn't just enough, you have to be in receipt of a means tested benefit also

You originally did not used to have to be older or disabled or rich enough to spend lots on fuel - you only needed to receive means tested benefit. This meant that Essentials was available to most poor people not just the usual whingers and profligate users. It was one of the only social tariffs with fair qualifying criteria. Whether or not this is still the case I have no idea.

Edit: no, it is no longer the case - they have reverted to the mean mean.

michael50

What if your on a PPM (gas currently with £130 on it nothing owing) (also a PPM electric with £40 on it nothing owing) im on duel fuel with British gas and my wife is disabled so we are on a low income could i get this Essentials support package.

Or do you have to stay on standard tarriff with PPM's ?

KimYeovil

michael50 wrote: »

Or do you have to stay on standard tarriff with PPM's ?

It is available for ppm users.

michael50

Thank you Kim i will look into it.

shazza71_2

When my hubby lost his job last year BG told us we didnt qualify for cheaper rates, even tho we only had £180 coming into the house per week, £60 of that was going on electric and gas.!!!!!