Green Doctor saves disabled Derby man £322 on energy bills

Credit: Groundwork Five Counties

A Derby man who has severe health conditions which makes it hard for him to keep warm at home, and who struggles to pay his energy bills, has received help from a funded charity who provided items to help out.

Paul received the support from The Green Doctor, a funded charity service by Groundwork Five Counties which included the provision of a free air fryer and a heated throw to save on electricity. He also was given support to apply for a 50% discount on his water bill and a refund for a leak, saving him £322.

60-year-old Paul suffers from a range of health conditions including low blood pressure and heart rate, arthritis, a hernia, and other issues that severely impact his mobility and ability to regulate his body temperature. His flat gets very cold in winter, and he finds his electric heaters ineffective and expensive.

At a community event he met Cath, a Green Doctor energy expert who was giving attendees advice around energy and money saving. After speaking to her about his troubles, Cath agreed to visit him at home to see how she could help.

Paul said: “Cath completely understood my problems and was so helpful. She gave me a free electric blanket to keep me extra warm so I don’t need to put the heating on as much, and an air fryer so I can cook without using the oven. This has already made a difference on the electricity costs, and it makes life a lot easier.

“Together, we looked at my energy bills to see where I could save money and Cath helped me to apply for the Big Difference Scheme with Severn Trent. This social tariff has cut my water bills in half and saves me around £100 a year, which is fantastic.”

Cath also noticed that Paul’s water bills were almost double to what she expected them to be and found the culprit to be a leaky toilet. She helped him to log this issue with Severn Trent and apply for a leakage allowance claim to write off the debt from the excess usage.

Paul added: “I would never have known that the debt could be waived if it wasn’t for Cath, the leakage allowance refunded me £222.

“I’m very grateful to her, she has gone above and beyond to help me. It’s great that the Green Doctor service exists for people who need support. I’m saving money on bills, I can stay warmer at home, and I spend less on cooking. It’s priceless.”

During a home visit, the Green Doctors can advise on the cheapest tariffs, supplier discounts, check eligibility for benefits and home improvement grants. They will install small energy-saving items like radiator foil, LED bulbs, draught excluders, and where a need is identified, can provide larger items such as air fryers, electric blankets, portable heaters, and more.

The fully funded Green Doctor service is available anywhere in the East Midlands to people of any age and background, whether they own their home, rent, or are a council or social housing tenant.

For more information and to get a free home visit, visit the website: www.groundwork.org.uk/fivecounties/green-doctor