The poll found that 4 per cent of people speak to elderly relatives seven to 10 times a week, while just over one in five (21 per cent) see elderly relatives less than they did five years ago. The reasons they gave included now living further away, increased work commitments and having less time.
EDF Energy’s Safe, Warm and Well campaign aims to encourage people to check that their elderly relative is on the cheapest energy tariff and payment method that suits them and whether they are entitled to a free boiler repair or replacement.
EDF Energy said that up to £5.5 million of pension credit and housing and council tax benefit is left unclaimed by pensioners each year. This could be used to pay for energy bills, the company suggested.
Jo Steven, energy policy manager at EDF Energy said: “It’s more important through the winter months that elderly relatives are fully aware of the help and support available to them, including the benefits of initiatives like the Affordable Warmth Scheme. That’s why the annual Safe, Warm and Well campaign was established; to ensure that the most vulnerable are looked after during the coldest months.”
“We want to ensure that people have the correct information and are clued up when it comes to the benefits and energy tariffs that are available for our vulnerable customers and are sharing these updates with friends and family.”