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Frequently asked questions - By RSL's
How long does it take to change over fuel
supplies?
It normally takes 7 days to transfer
over electricity supplies and up to 28 days for gas supplies. It
does depend on the previous fuel supplier, but full information is
provided regarding change over dates by PCL-E. Our unique energy
transfer system ensures that the transfer of data is as quick as
possible making it possible for us to transfer over 90% of
properties before they get re-let. By registering voids for change
over on the tenants leaving date we can transfer most properties for
the day the old tenant leaves. Our information leaflets then help
tenants know what to do to get access to their energy supplies and
our free helpline service provides advice to help them navigate the
confusing energy market.
How much extra work will this process generate?
The amount of extra work is very small most of the information we
need is already collected by most RSL's, the system normally
provides a way of formalising this data so it can be used at a later
date if needed. The process means that lots of problems normally
faced by housing staff such as contacting energy suppliers for
replacement meters, ordering cards for prepayment meters is carried
out by PCL-E. While we can't always help in all instances we provide
a helpline service to help RSL staff with particular problems, and
let them know which people can help them resolve their particular
problem promptly.
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We have particular problems
with vandalised meters, can you help with this?
By introducing the PCL-E service we can pick up issues
relating to meter faults at an early stage in the transfer process
and liase with our fuel supply partners to get these fixed before
the property is re-let. It is not a perfect system, but we do pick up
a vast majority of faults and provide a professional service in
partnership with our fuel supply partner to get these fixed as soon
as possible.
We have a large number of our properties on prepayment cards
which mean our tenants are paying more for their energy. Can you
help us solve this?
We certainly try to help in a number of different ways. Firstly we run pilot schemes to
repalce prepayment
meters for tenants, funded by the income received by running this
service. This means they have access to other cheaper payment
methods and can save up to 25% on their energy costs. We have also
introduced a range of services from energy saving advice to free low
energy lightbulbs, helping tenants use less is key in reducing
energy costs. Finally we have developed a simple basic banking guide
to help tenants get into the banking system and be able to pay for
their fuel and other utilities in the most cost effective way by
direct debit.
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