Gas/elec 1 off monthly fee?

Question

Hi there My mother has been told of a scheme for OAPs that basically if she pays a set fee each month that's all she pays no matter how much gas /elec she uses. She cannot remember to many other details

Has anyone heard of this type of scheme and who it may be with??

Answer 1

There are such schemes and they are designed so that the elderly do not have to worry about fuel costs and they can heat their homes and cook without worrying. The fixed monthly fee makes budgeting easier.

Paying a fixed monthly fee isn't unusual in the energy industry and many normal people pay by a fixed direct debit amount, however the schemes for the elderly are slightly different that no matter what energy they use the fee will always be the same.

You should ring some of the larger energy companies such as British Gas, E.On, etc.. to get the details.

Answer 2

Well, when you 'find out', please let me know...lol...lol...

Seriously, the only thing I can think of is what is called "Level Pay Plan". Either Utility has it.

What it does is Add up 'last' years bills. Then divides by 12 (months) and THAT Amount is what you Pay each month, for a Year.

HOWEVER, when the last bill for the Year comes it will let you know if you went Above or Below last years AND you'll either pay the 'difference' or You will get a Refund (Usually in the form of a Credit) on next months Bill. Then, if you want, you can start all over again EVERY year. That's the only "Plan" I know of (California Resident)

It works for me with House, A/C and pool. (I do 'both', Gas & Electric)

Answer 3

Its done through Age Concern, my mum pays £60 per month for all her heating and electricity used - she is all electric with white meter heating, I think the company is stay warm but age concern will give you the details, also if pensioners do not have central heating in property or it is faulty they will replace it free of charge, this is all in the Glasgow area but I presume its the same all over.

Answer 4

I find it hard to believe - it would be so open to abuse unless they charge a huge amount and I could find nothing when I searched. I'm guessing the person who told your mother got muddled.

Answer 5

The arrangement you describe is often available from utility companies here in the States.  The utility company analyzes one's bills across a couple years previous and then predicts what the average monthly bill should be.  The last bill or two of the year are 'catch up' bills - either higher or lower - to make up for errors in the estimates.

Answer 6

british gas offers a scheme for oaps but ask her who she gets her gas and electric from and call them to check this is correct it seams a little too good to be true to me and she does not want to get a large electric and gas bill if its not correct