Gemma from Norton, was receiving very high gas bills and was adamant they were not consistent with the energy she was using
After complaining endlessly to her energy supplier and then receiving a £1,000 energy bill, it was finally discovered that she in fact had a gas leak from both sides of her meter.
Gemma’s energy supplier eventually set up a payment plan to help her clear the arrears which had mounted due to the gas leak. Gemma ran a successful business but unfortunately due to ill health she was no longer able to work and had to sign on to receive benefits. She was now in a position with less disposable income and the arrears began to build up once again.
Gemma was referred to Five Lamps through Stockton Council’s Warm Homes Healthy People project as she was struggling to buy food and to pay for her gas and electricity whilst she was waiting on her benefits claim.
Firstly Five Lamps advised Gemma to contact Stockton Council’s Welfare Assistance scheme called Back on Track, which provides crisis support to residents of Stockton Borough. Gemma was successful with her application and awarded a short-term food voucher.
John Hird, Senior Loans Officer at Five Lamps also supported Gemma by submitting an application to the Teesside Emergency Relief Fund. The application was successful and Gemma was awarded £250 which was enough to provide a month’s supply of food, gas and electricity. John then referred Gemma to Amy Baker, Executive Support Assistant at Five Lamps, who helped her with advice regarding the energy arrears she had built up.
Amy realised that Gemma would be eligible to apply to the British Gas Energy Trust, a trust to help people who find themselves in arrears with their energy supplier. The application to British Gas was a success and Gemma was awarded £797.07 to clear her energy debt.
Now the debt has cleared, Amy Baker has helped Gemma to identify a cheaper energy supplier, by switching supplier Gemma will save on average £203 per year on her energy bills.
Gemma said
“I would like to thank Amy and John for all their help and support through what has been a very difficult year for me. Today my energy supplier has confirmed the payment of £797.07 has now been received from the British Gas Trust. This could not have been done without Amy and John, so thank you so much for all your hard work and efforts. I can now move supplier and hopefully afford some heating”
Five Lamps are currently working with Stockton Council on the Warm Homes Healthy People project helping people in Stockton on Tees who are suffering from fuel poverty.