Wheatley fuel advice service helps tenants save over £1 million
Wheatley Group’s fuel advice service has helped tenants to save money.
Wheatley Group’s fuel advice service helped tenants save over £1 million on their energy bills over the past year. The housing, care and property-management group offers support for tenants to help reduce gas and electricity bills and keep homes warm.
In 2020, Wheatley supported thousands of customers from across its subsidiaries including GHA, DGHP, Dunedin Canmore, Cube, Loretto Housing, WLHP and Lowther.
The £1 million savings included:
- £600,000 funding from energy regulator OFGEM for top-up vouchers to support vulnerable customers
- £167,000 by helping customers switch to cheaper tariffs
- £130,000 in charitable grants and by working with energy companies to write-off debts.
GHA tenant David Young, from Anniesland, needed help after receiving a large, estimated bill.
Mr Young, 80, said: “My new energy company got in touch to say I owed them £500, but they hadn’t even taken a meter reading.
“My fuel adviser got in touch with them as the bill was a mistake. The service is really good. I’ve used it four times or more already. I’d say 100% that other tenants should use the service.”
Fuel advisers can access cheaper tariffs, set up low-cost payments and, depending on circumstances, work with energy companies to write-off long-term debt.
Jim Mackie, from Roseburn in Edinburgh, got in touch with Dunedin Canmore for help to lower his bills. The fuel advice service helped him make savings of £150 a year by switching his gas and electricity to the same provider.
Mr Mackie, 72, said: “I looked at price comparison websites, but it’s complicated to change. My fuel adviser was able to cut through the red tape and made it a lot easier. Tenants should not hesitate to use the service. It’s magic.”
Wheatley Group Director of Housing and Care Olga Clayton said: “During these tough times, it’s more important than ever we help tenants save money and keep warm in their homes.
“The fuel advice team is just one of a wide range of support services we have available for tenants who are worried about money, putting food on the table or getting into debt.”
Tenants who want to book an online or phone appointment with a fuel adviser should talk to their housing officer or letting agent.