Incorrect energy bills and statements led Helen from Stockton- on- Tees into a substantial amount of arrears
Helen was paying her energy bills by direct debit; she was paying a low amount each month and often questioned her energy supplier to ensure they were collecting the correct amount of money.
After her energy supplier ensured Helen her bills were correct she thought no more regarding her payments. However, a couple of months later she received a bill for over £1,000. Helen was confused to why her bill was so high and how she would make this payment as she had just given birth to a baby and had minimum disposable income.
She was referred to Amy Baker, Executive Support Assistant at Five Lamps, through the Warm Homes Healthy People Project.
Amy contacted Helen’s supplier and arranged for her to have prepayments fitted into her property which would take the minimum amount from her arrears each week. She then applied to the British Gas Energy Trust for a grant to clear her arrears.
Helen’s application was successful and she received; £1,429. Helen said:
“I am so pleased that the application was accepted and my arrears have cleared, thank you so much Amy”
The reason Helen’s application was successful was because her energy supplier agreed that they had in fact been sending her estimated bills and should have flagged this up with her sooner.
Amy also informed Helen that she meets the criteria for the Warm Homes Discount Scheme which is a £140 rebate off her electricity between the winter months. She has applied for the rebate and will receive this payment shortly.
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.