Consumer watchdog energywatch launched a campaign this week to sign up the 750,000 people most in need of the Priority Service Register, which provides free services to the over-60s, those with disabilities, visual and hearing impairments or long-term ill health.
In a survey conducted by regulator Ofgem, 74% of a total three million eligible for free services said they had never heard of PSR. This means they are missing out on extras like free gas safety checks, special user–friendly controls for appliances and quarterly meter readings. Elegible consumers are also able to nominate a friend, relative or carer to deal with their bills and are supplied with a secure personal password, known only to them and the supplier, to prevent bogus callers.
Energy suppliers have this year agreed that consumers can register through energywatch as well as the suppliers themselves. The watchdog has printed thousands of leaflets and is working with Age Concern, The Disabled Living Foundation and The Pension Service to promote the campaign.
One-hundred-year-old great-grandmother Frances Hilton, who registered for the services, said: “I’m on the special password protection scheme, which makes me feel a lot safer because it lets me know the person at my door is genuine. I’ve also been given special fittings on my appliances to make things easier to use.”
The chief executive of energywatch, Allan Asher, said: “energywatch is determined to ensure that the three million people entitled to the free services get them. Our first aim is to reach out to the 750,000 most in need.”
Energywatch has set up a dedicated web page about the PSR, available at www.energywatch.org.uk. Consumers who qualify for the PSR can register by calling 08459 060708.The hard of hearing/speech impaired can use Typetalk on 18001 08459 060708.
