Centrica
Centrica is a Gold Card member of Employers' Forum on Disability and an active member of its Customer Advisory Group – a cross-industry group which meets quarterly to identify key issues for service providers and to recommend best practice solutions.
Working with the Employers' Forum on Disability and the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, British Gas has improved service to customers with hearing or speech impairment by providing a single textphone number that is answered by a special team.
More than 55,000 of Centrica customers are registered to receive their bills in an alternative format, such as Braille or large print. In 2005, 250,000 such communications were sent out. They ranged from gas and electricity bills and statements to marketing inserts and terms and conditions.
Centrica have developed a series of schemes to assist people on low incomes, older people and those with a disability. These include the 'here to HELP' programme in the UK and the 'Neighbour-to-Neighbour' scheme in the US. They have also introduced the independent British Gas Energy Trust, winter fuel rebates and to provide further assistance to those that need extra support. These initiatives are supporting the Government's aim that by 2010 no vulnerable family should be in fuel poverty. Centrica are aiming for a more 'joined-up' approach between Government, industry and voluntary groups to help beat the problem bringing together support on energy efficiency and advice on handling debts. They have tailored the 'here to HELP' programme to promote the use of insulation as well as offering advice to low income people on applying for unclaimed benefits. Centrica also offer gas fire control adaptors free of charge for customers with a disability.
Lewis, an employee with cerebral palsy, was referred to Scope through Centrica's 'here to Help' programme and received support to secure funding for a buggy so he can get about and strengthen his leg muscles. Scope helped the family apply for a grant as well as providing general advice on disability issues. The family home was also entitled to free loft insulation, draught-proofing, free low-energy light bulbs and energy efficiency advice. British Gas Business also won a Disability Excellence award for its disability equality work. Also in August 2005 Centrica held a fundraising programme called “more than words” to help raise money to for charities to do with disabilities