PASSWORDS for meter readers

 

Many vulnerable consumers can get genuine utilities meter readers or engineers to give a password at the door when they call. This avoids uncertainty about whether a caller really has 'come to read the meter', or is 'from the water board'.

 

This is one of the optional free services that all energy and water companies have to provide for consumers who are:

(i) of pensionable age, (2) disabled, or (3) chronically sick.    

 

The consumer chooses their own individual password and tells their supplier what it is.  Meter readers or engineers will then know this password when they call on the consumer and the consumer can be confident that the caller is genuine. 

 

But note: schemes for every company are separate, so consumers will need to separately contact their electricity, their gas and their water company to register.

BEWARE OF PAYING OVER THE ODDS FOR SOLAR PANELS

Advice received from Wealden NHW

Wealden District Council, along with other local authorities, have become aware of a number of unscrupulous companies who are charging well above the going rates of solar panel installation, and are using high pressure selling techniques to lock homeowners into

expensive deals.

“We‘ve come across one or two companies offering to install solar hot water panels for £9,000, when the likely installed costs for an average-sized house should be £2,500 to £5,000,” explained Fiona Berry, Wealden Home Energy Efficiency Officer. They then offer a once only discount, bringing the quoted price down to around £7,500 but only if the owner agrees to sign up there and then and pay a hefty deposit.

 

This is still too much, but if the customer has already requested a sales visit– maybe only through a sales reply coupon – then the normal consumer cooling off periods don’t apply. We know of cases where pensioners have lost over £2500 because of pressurised selling techniques.

 

Buyers also should beware of the projected levels of savings that today’s solar panels can

offer, and companies suggesting specifications too large for the customers needs.

 

“As a rule of thumb you would expect solar panels to be able to provide almost all your hot water needs in summer, and up to half in winter – the remaining half requiring a top up from your normal system,” says Fiona.

 

“Homeowners have an important part to play in combating climate change and there are many ways to reduce carbon emissions from heating our water and our homes,” said Cllr Mrs Rowena Moore, Wealden’s Sustainability Champion. “But whether its solar panels or wind turbines, we suggest people find out as much as they can about new technologies
before spending money on changing their homes"

The Energy Efficiency Advice Centre - 0800 512012 –is one useful source of information as is the Energy Savings Trust website. Grants for all types of household renewable technologies are available under the Government Low Carbon Building Programme. This programme provides a list of accredited installers, including local Wealden based companies, who can provide solar panels. Find out more by ringing 0800 915 0990 or visiting their website. Alternatively, a list of members can be obtained from the Solar Trade

Association – 01908 442290.

Wind turbines are another area of renewable energy attracting considerable attention, but homeowners should check first with the district planning authority before agreeing to any installation.

East Sussex Trading Standards

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE SCHEME

The Approved Trader list, was launched in May 2004.   Any business may apply to join.  The vetting procedures expect 'extremely high standards together with legal and honest working practices' in order to qualify.   Approved traders agree to:- (1) ensure that staff are properly trained for their work, (2) respond promptly and correctly to customer complaints, and (3) have Criminal Records Bureau clearance for all staff who carry out work in people’s homes.  

 

Link to Buy With Confidence and the Approved Trader List

DOORSTEP PICTURE SELLERS have re-appeared for several years running in different parts of the county.  Persons travelling and trading on foot, offering goods for immediate sale, must have a Pedlar's Certificate granted by a Chief Constable. (This is different from being a 'street trader'.)  Certificates may vary in format but the content will be basically the same. These traders are believed to be Polish and, whilst there is no suggestion of anything sinister, any information as to identity would be of interest.

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ON THIS PAGE

 

· Passwords for meter readers

· Overcharging for solar panelling

· ESCC Buy With Confidence Scheme

· Doorstep picture sellers - Pedlar's Certificate

· Nuisance Boy Racers

· Neighbouthood Watch Search Team

Here is an extract from a formal warning letter sent by Police to vehicle owners:- 

'There is now legislation in place which empowers police to seize vehicles they suspect to have been used in this way.  The cost of recovering the vehicle is in excess of £100. I should also point out that the use of noisy car stereos between 9pm and 8am is an offence. This offence has attracted fines of up to £800, from Eastbourne Magistrates.'

A seizure charge and additional daily (impounding) charges are payable, and the vehicle must be recovered by a certain date or it will be disposed of.