Stay warm and safe this winter
As the weather gets colder, our free Disability Energy Service is here to help you stay warm and manage your energy and water costs.
When you apply we’ll ask some questions to make sure we can give you accurate advice that’s relevant to your situation. If you apply for support by email, we’ll need to capture a bit more information at this first stage than if you apply by phone.
Who is the service open to?
Any disabled person, or households where 1 or more disabled people live, in England, Scotland or Wales.
What we can help with
Our expert advisers can support you with
- managing energy and water debt
- changing your meter
- energy and water efficiency
- accessing benefits, grants, and trusts
- contacting or complaining to your supplier
- understanding your gas and electricity bills
- understanding how to use your heating systems
- support registering with the Priority Services Register
CarrieThe support I received from Scope’s Disability Energy Support service felt like somebody was shining a light on me. I was nearly in tears, and it felt like Christmas. I didn't have to worry about my shopping that week, and I paid my water bill. Once I finished the call I was so happy. I could put my heating on and be warm for a little bit without stressing.
What to expect
Phone appointments
You’ll get a telephone appointment with an energy adviser lasting up to 45 minutes. During this you'll get information and advice specific to your needs.
Your adviser will arrange any follow-up appointments, if you need them.
To get the most out of your appointment, please try to give your adviser as much detail as possible.
What to bring
- pen and paper for taking notes
- your most recent gas or electricity bill
- an up-to-date meter reading, if possible
- details of any missed payments or arrears
- details of any payment plans agreed with your energy supplier
Email support
You'll receive an email from one of our advisers within 10 working days, containing advice tailored to your situation.
Other support available
Stay Warm with Energy Vouchers and Electric Blankets
If you're on a credit/standard meter (not a pre-payment meter), you could be eligible for an energy voucher worth £150 to put towards your energy bills. If you have previously received but not redeemed a voucher through our service, you can apply again.
We can also offer customers an electric heated blanket. This energy-efficient option can help you and your household stay safe and warm.
Join the Priority Services Register
You can get free, extra support from your energy and water companies such as:
- bills in accessible formats
- help with meter readings
- free gas safety checks
- access to the nominee and password scheme
- You’ll also get extra support and priority help if there is a power cut, gas leak or interruption to your water supply.
Register once, and your PSR request will go to your energy supplier (the company you pay your bills to) and your regional network companies including electricity, gas and water.
Sign up today: Join the Priority Services Register
Get help with bills from your energy and water suppliers
If you’re in debt with your bills, or unable to pay your next bill, contact your utilities supplier. They will help you work out an affordable plan to pay for your energy and repay the debt. They can also tell you about discounts, grants and schemes you could apply for.
Energy: Get financial help from your energy supplier
Water: Get a discount on water bills and help with debt
Help from the government with your energy bills
The government has payments to help with energy bills and the cost of living. You do not need to pay them back.
Find out more: Government help with energy bills
Carbon monoxide: staying safe
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas which is produced when fossil fuels burn inefficiently . The most common sources are faulty boilers, gas fires and cookers. Also using BBQs in an enclosed area and portable heaters.
We know that due to rising living costs, many disabled people cannot afford to buy new appliances or pay to have their appliances serviced. Faulty appliances may not be identified and that is why CO alarms are so important.
Carbon monoxide is invisible to our senses due its lack of colour, taste and smell.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are not always obvious. They are often mistaken for flu-like illnesses. People with coronary heart disease, angina, asthma or anaemia are particularly at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Our energy support service may be able to send you a free CO alarm:
About this campaign
Scope’s “Winter Energy” campaign is working in partnership with Southern and Scottish Gas Network, Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and Wales and West Utilities.
