MILLIONS of families are set to get a pause on their energy bills due to the spread of the coronavirus which has meant people are now forced to work from home.
EDF Energy has said it would consider delayed payments from anyone who is affected by the outbreak including those self-isolating.
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It comes as the UK virus cases hit 1,400 yesterday and the death toll almost doubled to 21.
The company, one of the biggest utility companies in the country, currently has around five million customers.
A spokeswoman for EDF said: “We recognise that over the coming weeks Covid-19 may have an impact on our customers, and we are prepared to offer these customers additional support and flexibility.
“Each case would be looked at on an individual basis, but additional support we could offer may include repayments made over a longer period of time, delay payment for a short period or offer alternative payment arrangements.”
She told The Sun Online that it wouldn't rule out giving the delay to both people who had self-isolated, fearing they might have contracted the virus or those people who were simply working from home.
The news comes as:
- The UK death toll yesterday shot up from 11 to 21 and there are now 1,140 positive cases for the disease
- Hancock confirmed that elderly people would be told to stay inside "in weeks" as the crisis continues
- Spain and Italy are on a 15-day lockdown with flights cancelled and tourists told to 'stay indoors'
- The Health Secretary couldn't guarantee that everyone who needs a ventilator will get one – as the PM asked Rolls Royce and JCB to build more
- The Queen has quit Buckingham Palace over coronavirus and has been whisked off to Windsor castle
- Pubs and restaurants could be shut like in Italy to stop the spread, as Matt Hancock refused to rule out extreme measures
- Hotels will be turned into hospitals and operating theatres packed with beds
- Families will be told to self-isolate together if just ONE shows symptoms
The firm said it would consider things on a case-by-case basis.
The announcement comes after the Government said that as many as a fifth of employees could be off work from home as firms instruct their workers to work from home.
Energy firm bosses are said to be in regular contact with the Government as well as regulators to find the best way to support customers who may have financial difficulty due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to The Telegraph.
High street banks have already said they will offer mortgage repayment holidays to affected customers.
Rail firms have come under fire for only offering partial refunds to those who are told to work from home.
The consumer complaints service Resolver said commuters who have a rail season ticket could be out of pocket due to the “completely unfair” rules.
Resolver’s Martyn James commuters could simply lose out by following their company’s advice.
Customers can ask for money back, but they will not receive the full unused value of their ticket and will face having to pay an administration fee of up to £10.
Those who have used the majority of their ticket would not be entitled to a refund.
Commuters are able to suspend their season ticket if they are ill and a refund will be available for the time they were unable to use it but will need to supply a medical certificate.
A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, a trade body, said rail firms understand these are “exceptional times” and that travellers should check their entitlement with National Rail Enquiries.
The latest figures of people affected by the coronavirus in the UK had 1,140 people infected, a rise of 342, with 21 people dying from the virus.
The Sun Online has contacted British Gas for a statement.
Her Majesty, 93, was whisked to Windsor Castle after Cobra crisis talks.
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