Charles Dickens House electrical works

We need to work with all customers at Charles Dickens House to upgrade the electrics that run to the building, and within it, to all homes.

We recently sent you a letter explaining what we need to do. Now we're inviting you to attend a meeting to discuss this further and answer any questions you might have.

  • Tuesday 12 May - between 1.00pm and 2.30pm at the large hall, Minerva Community Centre, 10 Minerva Street, Bethnal Green, E2 9EH.

or join our online webinar via Zoom

Colleagues from THCH, along with representatives from our consultant, Airey Miller, and our contractor, RGE Services Ltd, will be at the meeting to outline the proposed work and answer any enquiries you have.

Thank you for your patience while we carry out these important improvements to your home.

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact your Resident Liaison Officer on 01737 301 789 or 07511 605 223.

 

FAQs

  • What work is being carried out?

    We are undertaking a full electrical upgrade at Charles Dickens House.

    This includes:

    • Full replacement of the communal electrical supply to all homes in the block
    • Replacement of consumer units (fuse boards) in each home
    • Replacement of storage heaters – this may also include partial rewiring in your home where needed
    • Replacement of your electric meter – don't worry, we'll provide guidance on how to use get the new meters from your supplier.

    These works are essential to ensure the electrical systems in your home are safe, modern, and efficient.

  • When will the work start and how long will it take?

    The project is due to start in May 2026 and is expected to last approximately 12 months. The works will be phased in stages across the floors We will keep you updated on progress and let you know in advance when work is scheduled in your home.

  • Why is it so important that I provide access for the works?

    Providing access to your home is essential. Once the electrical switchover is completed for the block, any property that has not had the upgrade work carried out will be left without electricity.

    To avoid being left without power, please make sure you:

    • Respond to all appointment letters and requests for access
    • Make arrangements to be at home on the scheduled dates, or provide access via a key
    • Contact the Resident Liaison Officer as soon as possible if you need to rearrange an appointment

    Please do not ignore requests for access — this is critical to ensuring your home remains connected to the electricity supply.

  • Do I need to contact my energy supplier?

    Yes — this is very important. As part of the upgrade, you will need to contact your current electricity supplier and request that your existing meter is changed.

    A new meter will allow your home to receive the off-peak electricity supply needed to power your new storage heaters and hot water tank at a lower rate.

    What you need to do:

    1. Contact your electricity supplier and request a change of meter that offers both peak and off-peak supply.
    2. Do this as early as possible to avoid delays to your upgrade
    3. If you are unsure how to do this, speak to your Resident Liaison Officer who can guide you through the process

    If your meter is not changed, your storage heaters and hot water tank will not benefit from the cheaper off-peak electricity rate, and your energy bills may be higher than expected.

  • Will I need to be at home during the works?

    Yes, for any work taking place inside your property, you will need to be at home or provide access. We will give you advance notice of when access to your home is required.

    As mentioned above, failing to provide access could result in your home being left without electricity once the switchover is completed. Please treat all access requests as a priority.

  • Where will the site office and compound be located?
    • The site office will be based in Flat 16 and is available for residents to visit
    • The site compound (for operatives and material storage) will be located behind the block.
  • How will the works affect me day-to-day?

    You may experience some noise and disruption while work is being carried out in your home or in communal areas. We will do our best to minimise any inconvenience and keep you informed of what to expect.

  • What safety measures are in place?

    Your safety is our priority. The following measures will be in place:

    • The site office area will be cordoned off from general access
    • All visitors and operatives must report to the site office before starting work
    • Work areas will be kept secure and clearly signposted.
  • Am I being charged twice for my heating and hot water?

    No, you aren't being double charged. Charges are related to two separate electricity supplies that work in different ways:

    1. Communal Off-Peak Supply (via service charge)

    The block has a landlord off-peak electricity supply that powers the storage heaters and hot water tanks in all flats. The total cost is shared proportionally among residents and recovered through your service charge.

    1. Individual Peak Supply (via your meter)

    All other appliances in your home are powered by your own individual peak-rate electricity meter. If you choose to boost hot water outside of off-peak hours, this additional energy is drawn from your individual meter and charged to you directly by your energy provider. If you choose to boost the heating boost, the fan in the storage heater will increase the speed of the fan - it won't heat the bricks in the storage heater.

    1. Individual Peak Supply (via your meter)

    For the off-peak supply to work, it is turned on via the thermostat powered by the peak supply. Also, the fan in the storage heater is powered by the peak supply.

    In summary: These are two distinct services — one communal (off-peak, shared via service charge) and one individual (peak, from your own meter). You are only charged for what you use on each supply. For the off-peak to work supply the peak supply needs to be on.

  • Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?

    Your Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) from RGE Services Ltd is your main point of contact throughout the project. They will be able to help you with any queries, updates, or concerns.

    Phone: 01737 301 789 or 07511 605 223.

  • How do I make a complaint?

    If you are unhappy with any aspect of the works, please contact the Resident Liaison Officer (RLO):

    • Verbally – by calling 01737 301 789 or 07511 605 223.
    • In writing – by letter or email to the RLO.

    We take all feedback seriously and will work to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

  • Will my electricity be switched off during the works?

    There may be short periods where your electricity supply needs to be temporarily switched off while work is carried out. You will always be given advance notice before any planned interruptions.

  • Will my energy bills change after the upgrade?

    The new storage heaters and electrical systems are designed to be more efficient. Once your meter has been changed, your heaters and hot water tank will benefit from the cheaper off-peak rate, which should help keep your energy costs down.

    However, your overall costs will depend on your usage.

    Your Resident Liaison Officer and energy provider can offer guidance on getting the best from your new system.