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Written question asked by Lord Shinkwin (Conservative) on Monday, 22 November 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 December 2021. It was answered by Lord Callanan (Conservative) on Monday, 6 December 2021 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Fuel Poverty: Disabled and Older People

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment, if any, they have made of the number of (1) disabled people, and (2) elderly people, who will be unable to heat their homes this winter.

Answer

The Priority Service Register (PSR) records domestic customers who, due to their personal characteristics or otherwise being in a vulnerable situation, may require Priority Services. In Ofgem’s Consumer Protection Report: Autumn 2021 the Priority Service Register (PSR) had recorded 7,032,854 consumers for electricity and 5,935,528 consumers for gas in 2020.

Elderly and disabled consumers are protected. As per Ofgem’s rules, in winter, energy suppliers must not disconnect domestic premises where the customer is of pensionable age. Additionally, suppliers must take all reasonable steps to avoid disconnecting a premise if the occupants include a person who is of pensionable age, disabled, or chronically sick. Vulnerable customers who feel they are struggling to pay their energy bills should contact their energy supplier as soon as possible to agree on a payment plan.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL4306
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Disability Fuel poverty Heating Older people
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk