[Prettyeyez]

I agree with @meldrewreborn

it appears that the criteria is not clear. I called up this morning and the person that I spoke didn’t have much understanding about the scheme and has put me on hold for about 10 mins, she came to me reading some blurb for which I didn’t understand and I asked her to explain it to me.

I stated that my situation is the same as last year but no one has contacted me.

She advised that she would look into this for me but did say it looks like I’m not eligible. But again she couldn’t explain why and said she will ask the relevant team and get back to me in an hour or so.

This is really frustrating as I just want a clear answer to what the criteria is, simple.

I’m unsure if your income is part of the criteria and if so what does that entail?

Clear answers are needed in plain English please.

The temperature has dropped even further and seeing snow for the first time today. However, I’m still using a hot water bottle and a throw throughout the day as I’m too scared to increase my heating bill without knowing if I will be on a reduced tariff or not.

Transparency is needed here.

[meldrewreborn]

@Prettyeyez

Given you’ve not been invited, and only about 1% of customers will be, I think you should look to deal with the issue of your Direct Debit and your current tariff as I advised earlier.

personally I’d always opt for keeping warm over saving money.

A water in a national newspaper has pointed out that during a recent stay in prison they were warm, fed well and even had immediate access to an NHS dentist . Perverse incentives abound it seems.

[Prettyeyez]

@meldrewreborn

I have already resolved my DD, and they have lowered my payments to my original amount. I also submit regular meter readings so there are no issues with the charges.

I agree, keeping warm is priority, however, I do not wish to be in a position where I cannot afford to pay my bill or have to choose between keeping warm or buying food.

For me it’s not just about saving money, it’s about having the money to eat healthy food (I won’t go into details here as to why as it’s personal).

Last year I didn’t have to worry about putting on the heating as it was affordable because of the scheme.

Of course I do understand that I might not be eligible the but I just wish to know where I stand.

I appreciate your input as always.

[retrotecchie]

Originally Posted by Prettyeyez

She advised that she would look into this for me but did say it looks like I’m not eligible. But again she couldn’t explain why and said she will ask the relevant team and get back to me in an hour or so.

This is really frustrating as I just want a clear answer to what the criteria is, simple.

I’m unsure if your income is part of the criteria and if so what does that entail?

Clear answers are needed in plain English please.

The temperature has dropped even further and seeing snow for the first time today. However, I’m still using a hot water bottle and a throw throughout the day as I’m too scared to increase my heating bill without knowing if I will be on a reduced tariff or not.

Transparency is needed here.

The scheme last year involved two eligibility criteria. Both involved filling in and sending back a financial means statement.

If you were struggling to afford the bills, but not seriously in arrears then you may have qualified for a 25% discount.

If you were struggling, and had serious arrears, then the discount ran to 50%. However, there was a clause that you had to make the agreed payments for the duration of the scheme and if you reneged on that, the tariff reverted back to 'standard'.

Where you stand is that if they have not contacted you directly, you are not eligible. It's that simple.

[Prettyeyez]

@retrotecchie

I’m aware of the criteria for last year. Plus, I contacted them last year and not the other way round although I was eligible.

So it’s not that simple as I had to do the chasing.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[meldrewreborn]

if the scheme requires those participating to keep to the payments required, will those mean that any arrears are substantially cleared, so reducing the likelihood of being eligible for a second year. Also biased against those on direct debit ( both fixed and variable).
without published criteria I’d be doubtful that they can really identify those in greatest need effectively.

but they can claim to be doing their bit. The invitation approach mirrors the warm home discount change where the previous scheme required people to apply and it transpired that many in need didn’t apply.

perhaps they’re using the WHD information in their scheme, which if you are selected is worth a lot more.