Three quarters of elderly and disabled people who are entitled to free services from energy suppliers do not even know the services exist, the consumer watchdog Energywatch warned today.

A survey carried out by the industry regulator Ofgem showed that 74% of those eligible, had never heard of the PSR (priority service register) scheme, and Energywatch estimates that 750,000 consumers including pensioners, people with disabilities and those who suffer from long-term ill health, are missing out on the service.

Eligible consumers are entitled to have the meter moved so it is easier to read, those who are unable to read a meter themselves can have a representative come to do it for them, and they are able to have free special controls and adapters fitted to make appliances and meters easier to use.

There are also password protection services available, where representatives calling at the person's home use a code to identify themselves in an attempt to prevent problems with bogus callers.

Energywatch is launching a campaign today to encourage those who are eligible to make use of the free services on offer through PSR. 100-year-old Frances Hilton from Nottingham, the face of the campaign, signed up to the scheme a year ago.

Mrs Hilton, who is helping to launch the PSR campaign, said: "I'm on the special password protection scheme which makes me feel a lot safer because it lets me know the person at my door is genuine. I've also been given special fittings on my appliances to make things easier to use."

She gave this advice to those missing out: "People should find out what is on offer. They are entitled to it and it will make life safer and easier."

The Energywatch campaign is backed by the Department of Trade and Industry minister Nigel Griffiths. He said: "The PSR is a lifeline for vulnerable customers. Many of the services offered by suppliers assist vulnerable consumers who need help the most."

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, also backing the campaign, said: "We would urge all pensioners to contact Energywatch to get signed up for the free services."

Useful link

Information about the PSR from Energywatch

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