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Energy industry information |
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Watchdogs and Regulatory authorities
Energywatch:: Energywatch are the independent gas and electricity consumer watchdog which represents the interests of all energy consumers in the UK. They provide free and impartial advice to consumers on a range of energy issues.They will take up issues on behalf of energy consumers who have been unable to resolve problems directly with their suppliers. The energywatch website provides useful information directed towards achieving the best possible levels of service from companies supplying energy. Energywatch can be contacted at; Tel; 0845 906 0708 Fax: 020 7799 831 Website Address: www.energywatch.org.uk e-mail enquiries: enquiries@energywatch.org.uk Ofgem: The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, is the government regulatory body for the gas and electricity industry. Ofgem's priority is to protect consumer interests by promoting effective competition within the industry and by regulating effectively the monopoly companies which run the gas pipes and the electricity wires. Their work also encompasses helping Britain to secure it's energy supplies and ensuring the industry meets its increasing environmental and social responsibilities. Ofgem can be contacted at; 9 Millbank, London, SW1P 3GE Tel: 020 7901 7000 Fax: 020 7901 7066 Website Address: www.ofgem.gov.uk Energy Efficiency Energy Saving Trust: This is a non-profit organisation, funded by government and the private sector, that promotes the efficient use of energy and the integration of renewable energy sources. Through their programmes they provide expert and impartial advice and information as well as grants to encourage the more efficient use of energy in our homes and vehicles across the UK. For more information visit www.est.org.uk or contact them on: England Tel: 020 7222 0101 Fax: 020 7654 2460 Scotland Tel: 0131 555 7900 Fax: 0131 555 7919 Wales Tel: 01443 845930 Fax: 01443 845940 Northern Ireland Tel: 028 9072 6006 Fax: (028) 9023 9907 Energy Saving and Grant Schemes Warm Front (England) Warm Front is the Government's main grant-funded programme for tackling fuel poverty. he scheme was launched in June 2000 and before its name changed to Warm Front, it was called the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme. http://www.eagagroup.com/grants/warmfront/index.htm Warm Deal (Scotland) The Warm Deal is a new scheme from the Government in Scotland: The Scottish Executive. It provides a grant of up to £500 to make your home more energy efficient and keep ou warmer during the cold winter months. Eaga Ltd run the scheme on behalf of the Scottish Executive http://www.eagagroup.com/grants/warmdeal/index.htm Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (Wales) The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) provides grants to low income, "fuel poor" households to fund a range of insulation and heating measures. The aim is to reduce fuel poverty by lowering fuel bills and improving domestic energy efficiency. In 2003-2004 the new Home Energy Efficiency Scheme will provide grants worth £11m, including grants under HEES Plus which offers gas and electrical central heating systems for households in rural areas. http://www.eagagroup.com/grants/hees/index.htm Warm Home Deal (Northern Ireland) The Warm Homes grant provides a package of energy efficiency and heating measures, up to the value of £750. Energy efficiency advice, tailored to each household, is provided by Eaga Partnership's Home Visits team in accordance with the Energy Savings Trust's Code of Practice. The Warm Homes Scheme is aimed at owner occupiers and people who rent their homes from private landlords, it is not available for public sector properties. http://www.eagagroup.com/grants/warmerhomes/index.htm Sustainable Energy: Energy Efficiency Commitment Under the Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC), electricity and gas suppliers are required to achieve targets for the promotion of improvements in domestic energy efficiency. The EEC will contribute to the Climate Change Programme by cutting greenhouse gas emissions. At least 50% of energy savings must be focussed on a priority group of low-income consumers in receipt of certain benefits and tax credits/pension credit. So it is expected that the EEC will also contribute to the eradication of fuel poverty. The gas and electricity Regulator Ofgem is responsible for administering the EEC. For further information see the Ofgem website. Emergency Numbers: Gas Gas Emergency Contact Number: 0800 111 999 Electricity On your electricity bill you will find what is known as the electricity MPAN or supply number. This contains a unique . Distributor Identifier. number which allows you to identify which supply region you are in for the purpose of contacting the relevant distributor in your area in the case of an emergency. The number can be found in the grid type box as below which appears on your bill.
The number in the first box on the second line (highlighted in diagram) is the number which relates to the relevant distributor as listed below;
If you are unable to locate a bill then you can call the energywatch helpline on 08459 and ask them who your local supplier is to enable you to find out your MPAN. Winter Fuel Payments: A Winter Fuel Payment is a one off annual payment from the Government Pension service to help people aged 60 and over with their winter fuel bills. Depending on your age and circumstances in the qualifying week (18-24 September 2006), you could receive a payment of up to £300. Who Can get a Winter Fuel Payment? You should qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment for the winter of 2006/07 if during the qualifying week of 18-24 September 2006, you were:: . aged 60 or over and . normally living in Great Britain or Northern Ireland However, even if you are 60 or over you may not qualify for a payment if, during the qualifying week of 18 to 24 September 2006, you were: . hospitalised for more than 52 weeks . in custody serving a sentence imposed by a court . subject to certain immigration controls effecting eligibility for help from the Department for Work and Pensions. . In residential care for 12 weeks or more For more information on whether you are entitled to a payment and how the payments are made, you should contact the local office that pays you your benefits or call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 08459 15 15 15 (0845 601 5613 for textphone users). Lines are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Charges are the same as for local calls. |