Cadent has revealed new figures that indicate people across the country are continuing to put themselves at risk by not regularly servicing their gas appliances due to ongoing cost of living challenges.
A company statement said that a dedicated team, that was created to support those customers living in the most vulnerable situations known as ‘Services beyond the Meter’, have reported an increase in the amount of referrals they are receiving from people that cannot afford to replace dangerous and condemned gas appliances, such as boilers and cookers. It noted that in some cases people are not using their boilers at all.
The research found that almost 30% of people are only getting their boilers serviced every two years or more, rather than the advised annual service, with almost 7% stating they will no longer service their boiler at all.
Cadent has upskilled 100 engineers to now deliver a range of services designed to safely restore gas supply to customers living in vulnerable situations, the statement added. Traditionally, when a gas appliance was condemned for safety reasons, households had to choose between staying off gas, risking self-reconnection, or taking on debt for repairs. Services Beyond the Meter now introduces vital and free support to eligible customers, it cited.
Earl Richards, technical manager at Cadent, said: “For Cadent, Services Beyond the Meter exemplifies a groundbreaking and compassionate approach to supporting customers facing financial hardship, particularly during the ongoing cost of living crisis. It goes beyond the traditional responsibilities of a Gas Distribution Network and allows us to deliver innovative solutions to customers that address both their immediate and long-term needs and saving countless lives in the process.
“Our engineers are coming across heartbreaking and frankly, quite dangerous stories every single day so these findings are not unsurprising. Safety is always our number one priority and it’s vital that people do not attempt to fix their own boilers and gas cookers or use faulty appliances and instead, seek support by a Gas Safe registered engineer.”