British Gas Issues Urgent Storm Goretti Warning to Millions of Customers
Storm Goretti Brings Severe Weather Conditions
Storm Goretti, named by the French weather service Météo-France, will hit England and Wales on Thursday and Friday, marking the first named storm of the year. The severe weather system is forecast to bring snowfall of up to 20cm alongside ice warnings and overnight temperatures plunging to minus 12.5 celsius. The Met Office has described it as a potential “multi-hazard event”, as it will bring both heavy snow and high winds.
British Gas Prepares for Surge in Emergency Calls
As Storm Goretti approaches, British Gas is bracing for approximately 60,000 service calls this week. The energy provider is taking proactive measures to help customers avoid heating emergencies during the cold snap. Last winter, the company’s engineers attended more than 1.2 million customer callouts to repair faulty boilers and restore heating systems as temperatures plummeted across the country.
Key Warning: Don’t Panic About Heating Issues
Joanna Flowers, a British Gas service and repair engineer, said: “If you wake up and your heating isn’t working during a cold snap like this, don’t panic. There are some simple checks you can do yourself before calling an engineer.” The energy provider says many problems, such as frozen pipes, boiler pressure drops and timer resets, can leave homes without heating.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Home
British Gas has issued essential advice for homeowners to prepare for the storm. Bleeding radiators to ensure rooms are heated evenly is recommended if households notice that the top of their radiators feels cooler than the bottom. Additionally, keeping draughts at bay by making sure windows and doors are properly sealed can help reduce heat loss and lower energy bills by up to £60 a year.
Support Available for Struggling Households
For customers facing financial difficulties, British Gas customers could be eligible for up to £2,000 support with their energy bills from its Energy Support Fund. For those unable to resolve issues themselves, British Gas offers same-day appointments for customers who telephone before 11am.
Conclusion: Stay Prepared and Stay Safe
As Storm Goretti continues to impact the UK, British Gas’s warning highlights the importance of preparation and knowing what to do if heating systems fail. With severe weather conditions expected to persist, homeowners should conduct simple maintenance checks and be aware of available support services. The storm serves as a reminder that winter weather can significantly impact home heating systems, and early intervention can prevent more serious problems from developing.