Real life stories

Facing disconnection

At 82 years of age Mrs. Banbridge was faced with a huge energy bill and disconnection. She lived in a housing association accommodation in a “no gas” area relying solely on electricity for heating. Unfortunately, her storage heaters were set incorrectly, which resulted in the high bill and threat of disconnection.

Energywatch was contacted by the housing association energy officer. Energywatch arranged for Mrs. Banbridge to have a free home energy check. Working with the Housing Association Mrs. Banbridge received a new heating system, insulation, hot water tank jacket and controls to help her to use her appliances. Energywatch contacted her supplier and her bill was reduced by £160.00. Mrs. Banbridge was so relieved to receive the support, which avoided her being disconnected, saved her money and improved the energy efficiency of her home.

Warmth is vital

Fatuma Kayembe is a single mother with four young children. She and three of her children suffer from Sickle Cell Anaemia. This means they must have constant warmth – this need led to an estimated energy bill of £3,000 being presented to Fatuma.

Energywatch contacted her supplier and upon checking her usage found the bill was in fact £1,400. Working with the Sickle Cell Society's financial advisor we were able to arrange for an energy grant trust to pay off her bills, improve her energy use, which ultimately, will reduce her ongoing energy costs. Fatuma and her family are now more aware of how to save money and energy, whilst still being kept warm in their own home.

Mother and baby re-united

For mother Kathryn Smith it was heart wrenching when her five week old son Morgan was re-admitted to hospital because her house was too cold.

Luckily, her community health worker knew exactly where to turn for help – she contacted the energywatch Priority Consumer Team.

Says team member, Michael Temple: “Social Services had advised Kathryn that Morgan couldn’t return home until a proper heating system was installed.”

Michael rang his contact at EAGA to see what was happening and flag up the seriousness of the situation. It resulted in a surveyor visiting immediately to assess suitability for an oil heating system. But there was bad news – the house wasn’t suitable for an oil central heating system. Kathryn was eligible for a grant to install electric storage heaters, but this was not practical because of running costs and the need to keep the home heated constantly for baby Morgan.

Says Michael: "I immediately went back to EAGA and asked them to reassess Kathryn’s case and circumstances to see what could be done, which they did.

"The result was that EAGA agreed to install an LPG heating system. Although this cost more than the £4,000 grant allowance, EAGA felt that the trauma and stress suffered by Kathryn more than justified the extra support. Mother and baby were soon reunited."