In March 2021 Jill was desperate; she was £1200 in energy debt.
She was very careful and aware of her energy use, but things had got out of control. Here is her story:
“I had a sick friend staying, so the heating was on more than usual. My landlady had just upgraded our electric heating system – the new system is very easy to use, but electricity is expensive, and we are off the gas grid.
Warm Connections were able to apply for support and all of my debt was paid off. I felt lighter, a huge weight lifted; it was a physical feeling and every part of me felt better.
Last winter was tough; we did some preparation – stopping draughts, our landlady changed the oldest, coldest window and the house is now double glazed throughout. We changed the way we used the house in the cold, and we changed the way we did things when we used the kettle – only ever putting the exact amount of water we needed in. We used the fire more. We survived, and met our bills every month.
And THEN came the energy price rises in April – it made me mad. We’ll be fine through the summer but I don’t know how we will manage next winter. I have been in touch with our energy company and have sorted a new tariff. We have done all the easy stuff and our landlady has been great. If we are going to manage next winter, we will need to do the faffy things – lining the curtains, door draught excluders, low water use shower head, and I have read that the microwave uses less energy too. We already grow loads of our own food, and cook from scratch. I am worried for us, but am also really worried for my friends. Warm Connections have helped loads – partly motivation, partly information, and partly providing actual energy saving measures.”