Gas Safety Week 2024

Cadent warns people are not regularly servicing gas appliances due to ongoing cost of living impact

• Cadent’s new ‘Services Beyond the Meter’ team, delivering vital support for customers in financial hardship when their gas appliances are isolated or condemned, reports increase in the most vulnerable not using a boiler at all
• Almost 30 per cent of people would only service their boiler every two years or more, rather than the advised annual service

Gas Safety Week 2024: Cadent, the UK’s largest Gas Distribution Network, has this week revealed new figures that indicate people across the country are continuing to put themselves at risk by not regularly servicing their gas appliances due to ongoing cost of living challenges. Furthermore, a dedicated team, created to support those customers living in the most vulnerable situations, known as ‘Services beyond the Meter’, have reported an increase in the amount of referrals they are receiving from people that cannot afford to replace dangerous and condemned gas appliances, such as boilers and cookers. In some cases, people are not using their boilers at all.

With households across Britain continuing to feel the pinch ahead of winter, the research reveals that almost 30 per cent of people are only getting their boilers serviced every two years or more, rather than the advised annual service, with almost seven per cent stating they will no longer service their boiler at all.

To help overcome this issue, Cadent has upskilled 100 engineers to now deliver a range of services designed to safely restore gas supply to customers living in vulnerable situations, ensuring homes remain warm and secure. Traditionally, when a gas appliance was condemned for safety reasons, households had to choose between staying off gas, risking self-reconnection, or taking on debt for repairs. Services Beyond the Meter now introduces vital and free support to eligible customers.

Earl Richards, Technical Manager, commented: “For Cadent, Services Beyond the Meter exemplifies a groundbreaking and compassionate approach to supporting customers facing financial hardship, particularly during the ongoing cost of living crisis. It goes beyond the traditional responsibilities of a Gas Distribution Network and allows us to deliver innovative solutions to customers that address both their immediate and long-term needs and saving countless lives in the process.”

With two in five respondents citing cost pressures as the number one reason to not get their boiler serviced annually, or not using the correctly qualified professional, the situation for many will remain dangerous as the winter months approach.

Earl continued: “Our engineers are coming across heartbreaking and frankly, quite dangerous stories every single day so these findings are not unsurprising. Safety is always our number one priority and it’s vital that people do not attempt to fix their own boilers and gas cookers or use faulty appliances and instead, seek support by a Gas Safe registered engineer.”

Cadent operates the 24-hour, 365-day National Gas Emergency Service across the UK. If you ever smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service, immediately, on 0800 111 999, day or night. All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

More information – Services Beyond the Meter - Cadent Gas Ltd