Paul from Derby has severe health conditions, making it hard for him to keep warm at home, and he struggles to pay his energy bills. The Green Doctor, a funded charity service provided by Groundwork Five Counties, helped by giving him a free air fryer and heated throw to save on electricity. He was also supported in applying for a 50% discount on his water bill and a refund for a leak, saving him £322.
Paul, 60, suffers from a range of health conditions, including low blood pressure and heart rate, arthritis, a hernia and other issues that severely affect 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 about saving energy and money. After speaking to her about his difficulties, 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 to 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 what she expected them to be and found the culprit to be a leaking toilet. She helped him report the issue to Severn Trent and apply for a leakage allowance to write off the debt caused by the excess usage.
Paul said: “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 and supplier discounts, as well as checking eligibility for benefits and home improvement grants. They can install small energy-saving items such as radiator foil, LED bulbs and draught excluders. Where a need is identified, they can also provide larger items such as air fryers, electric blankets and portable heaters.
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 privately, or are a council or social housing tenant.
For more information or to request a free home visit, visit the Green Doctor website.