When Mark contacted us, his situation was already starting to affect how he lived day to day. He was living in a housing association property that needed repairs, and over time the condition of the home had started to impact both comfort and cost. Heating didn’t feel effective, and there were growing concerns about the condition of the property itself.
He wasn’t just dealing with energy costs. He was dealing with a home that wasn’t working the way it should.
We started by understanding both the home and the wider situation. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t something that could be solved through simple energy advice alone. The condition of the property and the relationship with the housing provider were key parts of the issue.
We supported Mark in understanding his position and what action he could take. He was advised on how to raise concerns formally and where to go if those issues were not resolved, including guidance around the Housing Ombudsman.
Alongside this, we worked through practical energy advice to help improve things in the short term. His cooking habits were heavily reliant on the oven, which was adding to energy costs. By introducing alternative, lower cost ways to cook and use energy, we were able to reduce some of that pressure immediately.
We also looked at everyday behaviours across the home. Small changes around appliance use, heating habits and general energy use were identified and explained in a way that felt manageable.
These changes are expected to deliver around £649 in savings through behaviour change, alongside £478.88 from energy efficiency improvements. An additional £65 was identified through income support. In total, Mark is expected to save around £1,192.88 a year. Carbon savings are estimated at 1.19 tonnes of CO2 each year.
To support those changes, Mark was provided with a funded air fryer. This gave him a practical alternative to using the oven every day. It allowed him to cook the same meals more efficiently, using less energy and reducing overall costs without changing what he eats.
Because this change was simple and immediate, it made it easier to stick to. It wasn’t about asking him to do something completely different, just giving him a better way to do what he was already doing.
Alongside this, we made sure he understood how to get further support beyond energy. This included guidance around housing rights and routes to escalate concerns, helping him feel more in control of a situation that had previously felt difficult to challenge.
If you’re living in a home that isn’t working the way it should, or you’re struggling with rising energy costs, support is available. YES Energy Solutions can help you understand your options and more control of your situation.
“I knew something wasn’t right, but didn’t know what to do next.”
