FAQs
COVID- 9 safety
Cadent engineers are recognised as critical workers. We make sure gas safely reaches homes, hospitals and schools, as well as businesses, factories, and industry. The safety of our customers and colleagues has always been our absolute priority.
If colleagues need to enter people’s homes, they will be wearing all the appropriate protective clothing to keep those living there safe. This will include disposable gloves, masks and safety glasses. They will ask residents to stay in a separate room. They will work as efficiently as possible and wipe down any surfaces they have touched before leaving the property.
Colleagues will observe social distancing from the public and from each other. However, where work tasks require colleagues to work more closely together, contact between colleagues will be kept to a minimum, they will wear the appropriate PPE for the task and follow good hygiene rules.
Can I make an appointment for an engineer to visit to switch my gas back on?
Unfortunately not, we will usually visit an area at a time and we will publicise which areas we are in, but don’t worry. We will always visit three times to try to switch your gas supply on. If you are still not in on the third visit, we will leave details for you to contact us and we will send an engineer out.
Compensation
*Will I get compensation for being without gas?
Yes. Cadent has a statutory obligation to pay compensation to anyone who is without gas for more than 24hrs after the first complete 24hr period.
Everyone who lost gas will receive a letter regarding compensation for loss of gas. Householders are entitled to £60 for every 24 hours they were off gas while businesses will receive £100 per 24 hours off gas. This will be paid directly to them via their gas suppliers.
*Do I need to claim for compensation?
No. Compensation for the loss of your gas supply will be paid automatically to your gas supplier whose name will be at the top of your gas bill.
*When will I get my compensation?
Cadent must pay the compensation payments to the gas suppliers within 20 working days after the closure of the incident (about 4 weeks).
*How will my gas supplier pass on this compensation payment?
This will depend upon your gas supplier. Some may take it off your gas bill; others may send you a cheque. You will need to contact them for this information.
*How much will I receive?
This will depend upon how long you were without gas. Your entitlement is above.
ID cards
With the current loss of gas supply across the area Cadent engineers may require access to your property if you are a gas user to facilitate the restoration of your gas supply.
- Before you let anyone into your home you need to know they are who they say they are, so you should always ask to see their identification card.
- When one of our engineers arrives at your door they will always show you their Cadent identification card.
- To confirm they are who they claim to be you can call us on 0800 389 8000 to confirm their identity.
- Our engineers will not be offended if you close the door and make the call to us, they will wait on the doorstep until you are happy to let them in.
What about residents in vulnerable situations?
We will be visiting all residents in vulnerable situations to switch their gas off. We are also providing assistance to those in the most vulnerable situations.
These include people who are elderly, chronically sick or recovering from a hospital stay, have a terminal illness, have a disability or you have children aged 0 -5 or you are registered on the Priority Services Register .
If you know of someone in a vulnerable situation and you are concerned please contact
0800 389 8000.
What is the Priority Services Register?
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service offered throughout the energy industry available to domestic customers across England, Wales and Scotland.
It helps energy companies like Cadent look after customers who have extra communication, access or safety needs. It’s free and easy to join and gives extra support to those who need it.
You can register yourself, or someone you think would benefit from being on the PSR.
Find out more here https://cadentgas.com/emergencies-safety/safeguarding/priority-services-register
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
What are the key facts on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
- Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable
- It can be FATAL
- And it often goes undetected
Three tips which could save your life:
- Know the symptoms and signs
- Ensure gas appliances are installed, maintained and fixed by a Gas Safe registered engineers only. Have your gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- As a backup, buy and install an audible carbon monoxide detector – it could save your life
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is produced when fossil fuels - coal, wood, oil and gas, are burnt without adequate air ventilation.
Carbon monoxide is:
- Colourless
- Odourless
- Tasteless
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Chest and/or stomach pains
If you experience any of the above symptoms you should seek medical advice straight away.
Check list to ensure you don’t suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure:
- Appliances have been installed correctly
- Appliances are in proper working order – boiler or fire flames should be blue not orange or flickering
- Appliances are checked for safety on an annual basis (For those in rented accommodation this is your landlord’s responsibility)
- You have a copy of the gas safety certificate for all appliances in your accommodation
- There is enough fresh air in a room
- Chimney or flue is not blocked
- Make sure a Gas Safe registered engineer install or maintains your gas appliances.
If appliances have not been serviced recently or have been deemed at risk, please call 0800 408 5500 to find a Gas Safe registered engineer in your area.
If you are tenant in accommodation; tell your Landlord, who is responsible for ensuring appliances are safe to use and instructing a Gas Safe registered engineer to repair or maintain the gas appliances.
Further information on carbon monoxide can be found at the following:
https://cadentgas.com/emergencies-safety/suspect-carbon-monoxide
www.gassaferegister.co.uk
www.nhs.uk/conditions/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/Pages/Introduction.aspx