A widowed mum says that the growing cost of bills means she has to work three jobs to cover herself, and fears there may be no Christmas for her kids this year.
Louise Parker, 48, says it is “obscene” that energy fat cats are pocketing huge bonuses while she can barely even cover her soaring bills.
The mum-of-three from Higham Ferrers, Northants says her energy bills have already doubled since her fixed rate tariff ended in May - from £68 to a whopping £151 per month.
Now, in order to even stay afloat and buy the basics, Louise has revealed that she's clocks up more than 50 hours a week.
She complained that the government is now leaving lots of people 'on the poverty line'.
If analysts’ predictions come true, her annual bills will reach almost £3,600 in October and close to £5,000 by January.
And in a huge blow to the mum, energy analysts announced that bills could hit £5,300 in April.
On top of her full-time job as an office manager, the 48-year-old has taken on extra work as a barmaid during the evenings and weekends - which she also tops up with shifts as a waitress for events.
This means that in order to make the bare minimum to survive, Louise is left with little quality time for her children Heather, 12, Christian, 13, and Michael, 15.
She has also revealed she is resorting to credit cards just to pay for the basics since her husband, Neil, died from diabetes five years ago at the age of 57.
Having to get by on a single income with no savings, soaring energy, petrol and grocery costs mean that her earnings of £30,000-a-year no longer stretch far enough.
“We’ve adjusted everything - I shop at Lidl, I grab yellow-sticker deals, I cook from scratch, I read all Martin Lewis ’s tips and I’m in every Facebook group for saving money that I could possibly be in, we don’t have Sky TV," she says.
But she sadly added that 'there is not a lot else to cut out on'.
Louise has also become strict on making sure her whole family is careful about how much energy they consume, saying that she runs around, 'turning everything off' - and has event threatened to take light bulbs out.
Heartbreakingly, Louise has revealed she can't afford to give her children pocket money any more - with her two eldest helping her out.
She says Michael now works at the local shop stacking shelves and his brother, Christian, has a paper round.
Speaking about how much she is suffering because of the growing costs, Louise says she has completely stopped cooking Sunday roasts and cakes - which she has a passion for.
She continued to say that she's told her kids there's 'no Christmas this year' and that they'll each be getting a teeny present.
She said: “It’s scary going into the winter and wondering if we are going to start the new year in a load of debt. ”
“I’d quite happily turn the telly off and play board games, but we’ve got to be able to turn the lights on and keep warm.”
How to get help with energy bills if you're struggling
Energy companies are offering hardship funds worth up to £1,500 as gas and electricity bills continue to rise.
Here’s what is available at some of the leading providers.
- British Gas - British Gas has reopened its hardship fund for non-customers with grants worth up to £1,500 for struggling households.
- Scottish Power - The Scottish Power Hardship Fund offers grants worth up to £750.
You could qualify if you receive Income Support, Job Seekers’ Allowance, Pension Credit or Employment and Support Allowance. - E.ON and E.ON NExt - E.ON and E.ON Next customers can apply for a grant to help clear energy debts.
The funds can also help replace household items such as cookers, fridges, fridge-freezers, washing machines and gas boilers.
If you're struggling with energy costs or other bills there are plenty of organisations where you can seek advice for free, including:
- National Debtline - 0808 808 4000
- Step Change - 0800 138 1111
- Citizens Advice - 0808 800 9060
