AN energy company told a blind woman to turn off lights to save money — because she did not need them.
Yvonne Six was in tears at the EDF call centre worker’s callous remark.
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And the widowed mum of one, 63, says another member of staff suggested she would be better off in a care home.
Shocked Yvonne said: “I couldn’t believe it when they said if you’re blind why do you need to put the lights on?
“After I listed my health issues they said it was time I went into a nursing home.
“I said, ‘How dare you?’. I will not give up my dignity and independence over an electricity bill.”
The retired cleaner called EDF after she was hit with a £1,600 bill for her two-bed council house in Swansea.
Yvonne is registered blind but still has some use of her right eye and can see lights.
She also has them on at home to detract burglars.
Yvonne said: “All conversations are recorded so they listened to the tape and they’ve said sorry.
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“I hope this young man is taken to task over what he said to me. It’s a total disgrace.
“I’ve been told to expect a phone call from the highest level of management at EDF.
“They know it’s no way to treat a vulnerable customer.”
Her MP, Geraint Davies, said: “Yvonne says she has faced appalling abuse and hostility from EDF.
“I am asking for recordings of the call and actioning this immediately with EDF and the government energy secretary.”
An EDF spokesman said: “We’re very sorry Mrs Six had problems accessing the support we have available and that she did not receive the high level of care we aim to offer all our customers.
“We have agreed with Mrs Six to undertake a full review of her EDF account and circumstances to see what additional support she can access.”
