Soa

sile001

E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc wrote: »

Hi Sheila

I'm really sorry you're struggling at the moment. Hope you don't mind me stopping by but thought I might be able to offer a bit of advice to help with your energy bills. Totally understand, this is probably only a very small part of the overall situation but hope it gives a little assistance.

Does the £81 include extra payments to cover an outstanding balance? If it does, talk to us about the possibility of spreading this balance over a longer period. This will lower the monthly payments a little. If there is debt on the account, help might be available through the E.ON Energy Fund too.

Do you pay with a Monthly Direct Debit? There are lower daily standing charges for paying this way. They're worth about £35 per fuel per year so, as a dual fuel customer, will save around £70 each year. There's a further saving of £10 per year if you register with our website for paperless billing.

You mention an Economy 7 meter. Are you on an Economy 7 tariff? To benefit from Economy 7, you need to use a significant amount of electricity during the cheaper off peak times (the actual amount depends on the region and prices). They're usually, but not always, cost effective in all electric properties with storage heaters. As you've gas, I wonder whether you're on the best tariff? Don't worry if you're on an Economy 7 tariff but aren't using enough electricity at night. You can move to a single rate tariff straightaway. No need to change the meter. We just add the day and night usage together and charge at a single rate. If you've registered with our website, you can do the switch online now.

Pop your annual usage in kWh on to the independent comparison sites. These will list all the tariffs available both with us and with the other suppliers. Savings might be able to be made here.

A great way to save money is by saving energy and we're happy to help with this. There are some great tips on our website. I know you've more pressing matters at the moment but, when you've a minute, have a look at the 'Saving Energy' pages and the 'Saving Energy Toolkit.' Might help.

Have you heard about the Energy Company Obligation (ECO)? It's a Government led scheme that aims to cut usage by providing help with energy saving stuff like loft and cavity wall insulation. There's more on our website.

Are you eligible for Warm Home Discount? It's worth £140 this year and we're taking applications now. Again, there's more on our website including an application form.

Before I go, thought I'd mention our Rewards scheme. This lets you earn up to 1500 points each year that can be exchanged for either Tesco Clubcard points or High Street Shopping Vouchers. It's a free scheme but you'll need to opt in to receive the points. This can be done online too. I know this is pretty small stuff compared to what you're going through but might be worth considering when you've a spare moment.

Sorry to go on Sheila but want to make sure we're doing everything we can to help with the energy side of things. As above, there's a lot on our website to help but, if you prefer to talk to us, we've a specialist team who deal with customers in your type of situation. They're the Caring Energy team. Have to chat to them. Alternatively, Helena and I are on MSE to help. We can usually be found lurking around the Energy Forum. Just let us know if you need us.

Hope this helps a little and good luck for the future. I'm sure something can be sorted out.

Malc

Hi Malc and thanks.

I currently have a debit balance on my acct, largely because of the fact I'm unable to climb to reach my electricity meter. Therefore, many readings are estimated. Also, readers don't always bring means to read the meter (stepladder) despite my asking for this to be done.

I'm on dual fuel via a scheme by Age UK. I have some insulation in my house which is large and old. Also I get a discount of around £140 per winter + £200 winter fuel allowance.

Bills are paid by DD.

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi Sheila and glad things look a little brighter.

I'd certainly suggest talking to the Caring Energy team I mentioned above (contact details are on our website). Ask them to put you on the Priority Services Register. This is a record of any vulnerability or disability in the household and lets us give you a more tailored service to better suit your needs. One of these services is about meter readings. As you're struggling to read the meters, we can phone you every quarter to arrange a special appointment. We can make sure the meter reader knows about the access difficulty too. It may also be possible to move the meters so they're more accessible. If possible and you're on the register I've mentioned, there's no charge for this.

Once we've readings, we can bill accurately and look at the Direct Debit arrangement to make sure the payments are right. As above, we can also look at spreading the debit balance over a longer period. Might help a bit.

A longer term solution might be to fit a new Smart Meter. These send us readings electronically so there's no need for you to do this. We're installing them at the moment but eligibility depends on the area and current metering set up. Worth thinking about though as it will reduce estimated bills and make sure the account's bang up to date.

The £140 sounds like the Warm Home Discount. It's good you're receiving this but don't forget about the Energy Fund I mentioned. Among other things, this is there to help customers with arrears on their energy bills. There's more details including an application form on our website.

Hope this is useful Sheila and I'd certainly make Caring Energy your first port of call.

Malc

sile001

Thanks Malc (and everyone) I received my Stepchange pack this morning and am about to go over it and return it. I'm also looking into claiming PIP for my epilepsy and recurring joint problems (though I must admit I'm not too hopeful in that direction) Another cuppa and I'll be diving into the paperwork.

Wish me luck

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Wish you all the luck going Sheila. Hope all goes well and enjoy that cuppa. Think I might head off for one myself.:coffee:

Malc