Utility companies support for Grenfell victims

A number of utility companies have announced a package of support for victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, alongside government funding.

Businesses in the energy and water sectors and power companies supplying energy to Grenfell Tower residents have agreed to provide all those affected by the tragedy with reassurance and support, including writing off any outstanding debts for energy bills for residents, while preserving prepayment and credit balances, and putting on hold any direct debit payments for Grenfell Tower residents.

Thames Water has confirmed that all accounts held by residents of Grenfell Tower have been frozen. For people who lived in Grenfell Tower, the water supplier has already written off any outstanding debts; and will refund accounts where charges have been paid in advance once details of account holders are known.

Additionally, telecommunications companies have also been assisting victims by providing free chargers, handsets and pre-loaded SIM cards and allowing those affected to use in-store web browsing and mobile charging facilities in the immediate area.

Greg Clark, Business and Energy Secretary, said: “Businesses should play an active role in society and I am pleased that all the energy companies supplying Grenfell Tower have come together and agreed to a set of principles in support of families who have already lost so much.”