3 utilities unite to enhance disabled customer service

3 utilities unite to enhance disabled customer service: Disabled energy customers will have the ability to access better helpline services after 3 utilities join forces.

Gas distribution company SGN, UK Power Networks & Anglian Water have teamed up in a cross-utility cooperation with the charity Scope to help disabled customers handle their utility bills.

The firms provided supplied further funding to allow Scope to raise the amount of people that can be helped through its helpline service.

The helpline, that is recognised as ‘Disability Energy Support (DES) with Water Advice’ kicked off in December 2020 and up to now, Scope expects the service has already saved customers a sum of about £345,000.

“The current energy crisis, combined with the increase in the energy price cap level, means bills are set to soar this winter, leaving many disabled people facing financial hardship.” stated Tom Marsland, Scope’s Consumer Affairs Policy Manager.

Strategic Social Sustainability Programme Manager at UK Power Networks, Dr Giulia Privitera, added: “Put simply, the social model for disability says people are disabled by barriers within society, not by their disability itself. The same applies for the energy sector.”

3 utilities unite to enhance disabled customer service