Scarf’s team of specialist energy advisors provide free and impartial advice, information, and support either by visiting you in your home or remotely by telephone / video call.
Advisors are on hand to help anyone affected by the energy crisis with practical help and support. Anyone worried about rising fuel bills or unsure if their supplier is at risk can get in touch and arrange a visit or call to help take the next steps.
Lawrence Johnston, acting CEO at Scarf said: ‘We’re currently in unchartered water with rising gas prices, the energy cap rising and energy suppliers struggling to survive. It’s a very worrying time for householders especially as we approach winter and fuel bills are set to rise as we turn the heating on.
‘If you’re worried about how you’ll manage your bills our home energy advisors can work with you to take practical steps and keep the costs as low as possible.
‘As well as talking you through the current situation and advising you how you can try and reduce bills we can also check your eligibility for grants and schemes such as Warm Homes Discount and Warmer Homes Scotland. There may also be local energy efficiency schemes running in your areas that will improve your home and reduce energy use in the future. This is even more important now than ever as the cost of gas looks set to continue rising.
‘Please don’t struggle in silence, our team are here to help.’
The Scarf home energy advice team offer support on understanding heating controls and energy bills, tariff switching, Warm Home Discount applications and grants and schemes checks for improvements to the property. The service is open to owner occupiers, private tenants and local authority and council tenants.
Current advice if your supplier goes out of business is to:
- Don’t panic you will continue to receive gas or electricity even if the energy supplier goes bust.
- Ofgem will move your account to a new supplier. Your new supplier should then contact you to explain what is happening with your account.
- During this time: check your current balance and find copies of your most recent bills.
- Take a photo of your meter reading.
- If you pay by direct debit, there is no need to cancel it straight away. Wait til your new account is in place.
- If you are in credit, your money is protected and you’ll be paid back.
- If you were in debt to the old supplier, you’ll have to pay the money back to your new supplier and Scarf can assist you in negotiating an affordable repayment plan.
If you’re unsure how to find your meter reading or locate bills or would like help with the process Scarf advisors can support you with a home visit or call. Get in touch on 0808 129 0888 or email info@scarf.org.uk
