Enabling provision of a warm, safe home
Monica's Story
Monica approached us through self-referral, seeking assistance for her challenging home situation. She had fled a domestically abusive relationship with her two young children and settled in a particularly rural area of the Highlands. At the time, there was only one property available to rent. The house lacked insulation and featured three types of heating: a coal fire with a back boiler feeding some radiators downstairs, storage heaters in other areas downstairs, and panel heaters in the upstairs bedrooms. Monica could not afford to adequately heat the property and had to borrow money from friends. She wanted stability for her children but recognised that the heating systems and lack of insulation made long-term living in the property financially impossible. To manage, the family used the front room with the coal fire and all slept in the same bedroom at night.
Advice and Support Provided
An in-person meeting was held at Monica's home to discuss how to use her existing resources most economically. Advice was given on managing rooms she could not afford to heat, including strategies to avoid dampness and condensation.
Funding and Scheme Applications
An application was submitted to the Home Heating Support Fund and a referral was made to an ECO installer for home insulation measures. A survey recommended full insulation, removal of all existing heating systems, and installation of an air source heat pump. Due to asbestos, roof insulation was not possible. The installation work began within four weeks of agreement from the landlord.
Financial Gain
Through successful application to the Home Heating Support Fund, Monica was awarded £600. Half of this amount was paid directly to Monica's coal supplier, while the other half went to her electricity supplier. Further, the implementation of comprehensive home insulation measures led to significant ongoing savings. Monica’s annual energy bills were reduced by £2,593, making her home much more affordable to heat and maintain over the long term.
Impact of ALIenergy's Involvement
Monica had sufficient funds from the Home Heating Support Fund to make it through her first winter until the heating and insulation upgrades were completed. The improvements provided by the ECO installer ensured Monica no longer needed to worry about moving her children, which would have required a change of school. She now enjoys a long-term home that she can afford to keep warm.