Ali's story
“The support and kindness I received was a blessing. I would encourage anyone struggling with bills to contact the Centre”
Themes: energy advice
Ali came to the Centre after finding it hard to get the help he needed. He was concerned and stressed about a large and growing balance for his home energy provision and his inability to pay this off.
Normally, Ali is able to keep on top of his bills, but after losing his wife and facing bereavement, he found it hard to focus on all the things that needed doing and the bills that needed paying.
Stressful life events, such as loss of a spouse, can have a significant effect on people’s ability to cope and so Ali turned to the Centre for some support.
The Energy Advice Team set to work. Firstly, they obtained accurate meter readings and assessed Ali’s bill. They then worked to develop a payment plan to make sure future energy bills are payable in a sustainable, stress-free way. Together they jointly compared tariffs using a price comparison website. Ali was then able to switch to a more affordable tariff.
After this, the team worked with him to make a grant application to EDF energy trust fund. This was successful and the energy bill debt was written off, much to Ali’s relief.
Through the Energy Advice team, Ali was also able to apply for a Warm Home Discount and was provided with energy-efficient light bulbs and a carbon monoxide alarm.
Ali said, “It’s very easy to lose control of bills when you’re grieving and coping with funeral expenses and feeling overwhelmed with life. The support and kindness I received was a blessing at a difficult time. I would encourage anyone struggling with bills to contact the Bromley by Bow Centre”.
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This service is kindly supported by British Gas Energy Trust
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