Useful Information for Customers
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We understand at this time some people may find themselves in unexpected financial difficulty. There are many organisations who may be able to help you. Contact details of free, impartial debt advice bodies are available below.
If you are concerned about paying your natural gas bill, we will do our best to help. Get in touch with our credit control team on 0330 024 9000. We will work with you to come to a suitable arrangement which might include a repayment plan to spread your bills over a period of time. We will work with you to agree an amount you are able to pay, taking into account your individual circumstances. We will be flexible and work with you to try to find solutions.
If you’re already on a debt repayment plan, we might be able to adjust this in line with your circumstances. Our Code of Practice on Payment of Bills1 outlines the actions we can take to help domestic energy customers with their energy bills and avoid/manage potential debt.
External organisations that might be able to provide further help are listed below.
| Organisation | Address | Contact - for more information |
|
Advice NI |
Forestview, Purdy’s Lane, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 4AR |
Telephone: 0800 915 4604 (option 2) Email: advice@adviceni.net Visit: adviceni.net |
| The Consumer Council |
Floor 3, Seatem House, 28-32 Alfred Street, Belfast BT2 8EN |
Freephone: 0800 121 6022 Email: contact@consumercouncil.org.uk Visit: consumercouncil.org.uk |
|
Age NI at Advice & Advocacy Service |
3 Lower Crescent, Belfast BT7 1NR |
Pensioners – contact Age NI’s free Advice Line to check you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to; these can be a gateway to other cost of living payments.
Call: 0808 808 7575 Visit: ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland |
| Financial support |
Visit: GOV.UK for support |
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| Christians Against Poverty |
Telephone: 0800 328 0006 Visit: capuk.org |
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| Money and Pensions Service |
Email: contact@maps.org.uk Telephone Phone: 01159 659570 |
Email furtherinfo@firmusenergy.co.uk or call 0330 024 9000.
Energy Efficiency Tips
Natural Gas Heating / Domestic Hot Water energy saving tips
Natural gas is an efficient way to heat your home and provide hot water, but being at home more often might mean you are using more energy. Below are some energy saving tips. You may also wish to read our Code of Practice on the Efficient Use of Energy1:
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Keep your room thermostat (usually in hallway) to a temperature that you feel comfortable with (normally 210C ). Homes could save up to £80 per year by turning their thermostat down by 10C2 |
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Set your thermostatic radiator valves in each room to a temperature that suits your circumstances (not always to be set at maximum) |
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Check that your heating timer is set at the correct times / days that you require heat |
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Set the central heating and domestic hot water output temperatures of the boiler to your desired heat level. This may be lower than what it is currently
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Reduce time in the shower
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Ensure your gas boiler is serviced each year to ensure boiler efficiency |
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Consider getting advanced controls fitted which allow you to keep in control of your heating whilst out and about or from the comfort of your home |
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Insulate - Ensure your roof space insulation is at least 300mm deep and that your cavity walls are insulated. |
NI Energy Advice provides free and impartial advice. You can call them on 0800 111 4455
For boiler servicing and fitting of controls please refer to the registered Installer section of the firmus energy website to find an installer in your area.
1 Codes of Practice listed in this letter are available on request from our customer services team and on our website at firmusenergy.co.uk/publications.
2 USwitch.com
