Pop up advice stalls in Nottingham where people can receive energy and money saving advice have been taking place. After people in Bulwell spok about their current worries over soaring energy prices, the best tips for energy saving have been shared.
The British Gas Post Office Popups have been providing people with advice no matter who their energy provider is and asking customers questions regarding their energy bills. The energy saving scheme, that has been promoted by British Gas partner and rapper Professor Green, has already been to Bulwell and Newark but will be in St Ann’s on December 6 and 7 on the Wells Road.
People with energy concerns have opened up about their fears including a pensioner who is thinking about getting a new job at the age of 75. Others have admitted that they are losing sleep over energy bill worries.
Cathleen Betteridge is 75. Currently retired, Cathleen is from Top Valley. Speaking about how she saves energy, she said: “A lot of it is using your common sense, looking around and seeing what you can turn off.
“I’m considering getting a job at 75 and I’ve not switched my gas on since March. She adde: "Everyone’s the same at the moment, I feel sorry for those with kids.
“My energy company told me I use about £300 a quarter but how can I when everything’s switched off most of the time! I don’t watch TV, I read on my kindle most of the time and I don’t get pension credit either, I don’t get help with anything.”
83% of people in Nottingham are still worried about how they will cope financially with the rising cost of energy. Many households will benefit from Nottingham City Council’s Household Support Fund but some people still think not enough support is being given out.
Alissa Topin-Wright, 34 is from Bulwell. Alissa, who is a full-time mum, said: “Everyone’s struggling, whether you work one job or two, it’s awful.
“The support that’s out there for energy bills won’t last forever but it seems like there’s no end in sight for costs increasing and where does that leave us all then?”
Allan Davidson, 29, who works in a kitchen, added: “It’s hard, you lose sleep at night over all these bills but the Government wouldn’t understand that, they’re fine. It’s ridiculous.
“There needs to be more help and information out there so these pop ups are a good thing but things are definitely going to be getting worse before they get better. One thing that I would love to know is how these energy companies can charge you a fortune when you’re hardly using anything in your own house?”
Speaking from inside the Wilko in Main Street, Money and Energy Advisor with the British Gas Energy Trust, Aqeela Bashir said: “We’re helping a lot of people who are worried about bills and some who don't understand their statements. It's our job to give advice and tips.”
Aqeela shared some of the misconceptions when it comes to energy saving, adding: “A lot of people think that electric blankets consume a lot of energy but they’re actually energy efficient some of the best tips when it comes to electricity would be only use the amount of water you need for a cup of tea, for example, don’t fill up the kettle because that’s consuming more.
“Using energy efficient light bulbs and switching them off when you’re not in the room can reduce bills along with turning your thermostat down a few degrees.” Turning your thermostat by a few degrees can save someone around £40-£60.
The biggest “culprit” for energy bills are tumble dryers. Aqeela said: “Putting a full washing load on 30 degrees rather than 40 degrees is better, tumble dryers are the culprit when it comes to energy bills and you should limit the use when possible.
“A lot of people are anxious at the moment, not just with the cost of living but with food prices. We’re advising more and more clients, some who might be in debt and 37% of people don’t know where to go for advice and support. My advice is to budget and if people are still struggling they can be entitled to fuel top up vouchers from the city council and food bank vouchers as we also work with Trussell Trust.”
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