huge bill on electricity of vulnerable severely disabled man- carers left heating on constantly

cansu1

My adult son moved into a property with a team of carers looking after him. I was a bit concerned about the increases in energy prices so asked them to do a meter reading so we could check on his bills and get some idea of what they might go up to. I was staggered to discover that they have been having the underfloor heating on all day and night. He has a debt now of 1900 pounds for four months use. I am furious but what can I do? I think the care company are responsible but they won't agree to pay part of the bill. Any ideas? He is on benefits and cannot afford this at all. 

[Deleted User]

Agree with them what hours the heating should be on - presumably a time can be set and instructions left to not over-ride it. However, you obviously need to ensure the property is warm enough.

With regards to paying the bill, if he cannot afford to make the payment, contact the energy company with regards to managing repayments. 

Gerry1

There are various benefits and grants available, just ask Citizens Advice.

QrizB

Welcome to the forum.

cansu1 said:

My adult son moved into a property with a team of carers looking after him.... He has a debt now of 1900 pounds for four months use. I am furious but what can I do?

I assume this is an all-electric property, without gas, oil or LPG? They are the most expensive to run and direct electric heating is one of the pricier ways to heat them. Even so, £450/month is on the high side. How big is this property? What supplier and tariff is he on?

theoretica

Does the property have a programmable thermostat?  This sounds like a situation where one would be very worthwhile.

cansu1

yes, it is all electric. I am really struggling to get the carers to engage with me on it. 
I have told them he cannot afford heating on and to switch it off at night and for part  of the day. I have asked them to tell me when it is on and when it is off and to keep a record. They simply don't seem to care too much. 

EssexHebridean

Are the carers saying / implying that they feel that for the sake of his health the current level of temperature needs to be maintained? If not, is it a system that you can physically programme to come on and off as needed and instruct the careers that it’s not to be altered, perhaps? 

Robin9

I really don't think control of the heating is what they are employed to do.  As has been said a programable thermostat.  AHive or Nest would enable you to control it from your own home.

tim_p

Robin9 said:

I really don't think control of the heating is what they are employed to do.  As has been said a programable thermostat.  AHive or Nest would enable you to control it from your own home.

If they are live in carers then it would explain the massive bill as they aren’t going to be cold if someone else is paying. 

MWT

tim_p said:

Robin9 said:

I really don't think control of the heating is what they are employed to do.  As has been said a programable thermostat.  AHive or Nest would enable you to control it from your own home.

If they are live in carers then it would explain the massive bill as they aren’t going to be cold if someone else is paying. 

... or they may view the temperature as necessary for the proper care and well-being of their client...

EssexHebridean

MWT said:

tim_p said:

Robin9 said:

I really don't think control of the heating is what they are employed to do.  As has been said a programable thermostat.  AHive or Nest would enable you to control it from your own home.

If they are live in carers then it would explain the massive bill as they aren’t going to be cold if someone else is paying. 

... or they may view the temperature as necessary for the proper care and well-being of their client...

This was what I was wondering. We’re not aware of the OP’s son’s condition, but if it is something that means he’s in one place for a lot of the time there could reasonably be concerns there.