Helping people save energy and money on bills: An interview with Alex from Green Doctors

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

Luca: Alex, thanks for joining me!

Alex: No problem, Luca, happy to be here.

 

So, Alex, you help people who are struggling with energy bills. Can you tell us a bit more about that?

Absolutely. We understand that energy bills can be a huge source of stress, especially for people on low incomes or with health conditions. At Green Doctors, we visit people’s homes to assess their energy use and recommend ways to make their homes more efficient. We can also help them navigate their bills and find financial assistance if they’re eligible.

 

That sounds fantastic! What are some of the options you offer to help people who are worried about affording their bills?

We have a few different options. We can help people switch to prepayment meters, which can give them more control over their energy use. We can also work with them to set up budgeting plans with their energy suppliers. And if someone’s really struggling, we can refer them to debt management services to get some expert help.

 

I hear smart meters can be really helpful. Do you recommend getting one?

Definitely! Smart meters are a game-changer. They allow people to see exactly how much energy they’re using in real-time, which makes it much easier to identify areas where they can save money. It’s like having complete transparency over your energy consumption.

In addition to smart meters, there are other ways people can save on their bills. Regularly reviewing tariffs to see if there’s a better deal available is a good idea. Simple things like unplugging unused appliances and educating families about being mindful of energy use can all add up to big savings in the long run.

 

Speaking of saving, are there any specific tips you can share with our readers?

Sure! Here are a few quick tips:

• Get a smart meter – it empowers you to track your energy use and target areas for saving.
• Consider fixed-rate tariffs for peace of mind on what you’ll be paying.
• Standby power is a hidden cost – unplug unused appliances to avoid wasting energy.
• Get everyone on board – educate your family about energy consumption to promote long-term savings.
• Mobile phone chargers are sneaky energy suckers – leaving them plugged in costs roughly £1 a day, even when not in use!

 

That’s brilliant advice, Alex. But what about people who are particularly vulnerable, like elderly people living alone? Are there any support programs available?

Absolutely. There are several programs available for people who might need a little extra help. The Warm Home Discount, for example, is a government scheme that offers a £140 discount on energy bills between September and March for eligible people.

Energy Trust Schemes are also fantastic – each major energy company has programs to help people in debt write off or manage their bills. There are even schemes to provide people with more energy-efficient appliances at a lower cost – refurbished white goods can be a lifesaver!

 

That’s fantastic to know! Can carers help the people they look after with managing their energy bills?

Carers can certainly be a big help, but it’s important to remember that the resident must give permission for the energy company to discuss their bills with someone else. However, carers can assist with making enquiries and navigating the process. And don’t worry if there’s a language barrier – translation services are available to help everyone get the support they need.

 

For those who want to learn more, are there any resources you recommend?

The Energy Saving Trust website is a great place to start – they have tons of information on saving energy and money on bills: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/

 

Brilliant! And finally, Alex, with the seasons changing, are there any energy-saving strategies specific to this time of year?

Of course! As we head into summer, proper ventilation is key to prevent condensation and mould growth. Using washing machines at lower temperatures and air-drying clothes whenever possible can also make a big difference.

In the winter, keeping things cozy is the main concern. Thick curtains, draft excluders, keeping doors closed between rooms, and using thermostats efficiently can all help retain heat and keep those bills down.

 

Alex, this has been incredibly informative. Thank you for sharing your expertise with our readers!

It’s my pleasure, Luca. I hope this helps people save money!