State pensioner households, as well as other vulnerable groups, could be handed free air fryers or heated blankets by energy giant EDF. The supplier has pledged £30M of funding to help support vulnerable customers this tax year, including a winter support package which could see customers given slow cookers, air fryers, heated throws and hot water bottles.
Some eligible customers could also be given payments to help clear their energy debts. Other services include free gas safety checks and help for blind or partially sighted customers. EDF also works with charities including Age UK and Scope.
For state pensioners, EDF adds: “If you get certain benefits or a state pension, you might be able to get a free gas safety check once a year. “You’ll need to fill out a form each year to apply for your gas safety check (the form will help you work out if you qualify).
“If your application is successful, we’ll arrange for a Gas Safe engineer to visit you to check your gas appliances and fittings.”
The firm also offers to move your prepayment meter, adding: “Are you struggling to reach your traditional prepayment meter because it’s too high? Or do you have someone at home with a disability who can’t get to your prepayment meter safely?
“We can move your meter to a safer place. Or we can exchange it to give you a more suitable payment method at no extra charge.”
The firm also urges those who are vulnerable, such as due to a medical condition, to join the Priority Services Register.
It adds: “The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service offered throughout the energy and water industries. It’s available to customers in England, Wales and Scotland.
“Energy suppliers and network operators with customer’s consent keep and share PSR information securely across the energy and water industries to ensure that those registered can receive additional services tailored to support their equal access across the industries, especially in relation to communication, access and safety needs.”
It gives the example: “Maybe you have young/elderly dependants or some-one in your home is recovering after being discharged from hospital or you may be using medical equipment that is dependent upon electricity.”
