She lives alone and is currently unable to work due to a health condition. That meant she was at home more, using energy throughout the day, while relying on benefits to get by. Like many people in that situation, she was trying to keep her home warm and live normally, but without a clear idea of what that was costing her or how to manage it.
It was not about cutting everything back. It was about finding a way to make things more manageable.
We started with a full conversation about how Linda was using her home.
We looked at heating first. Not just whether it was on, but how it was being used. We talked through thermostat settings, timings, and how small changes could keep the home comfortable without running up unnecessary costs. One simple change, like turning the thermostat down slightly, can make a noticeable difference over time without impacting warmth.
From there, we moved into everyday habits.
Things like leaving appliances on standby, running the washing machine at higher temperatures, or using more hot water than needed can all quietly add up. Rather than overwhelming Linda with a long list, we worked through these one by one in a way that felt realistic.
We covered turning appliances off instead of leaving them on standby, washing clothes at lower temperatures, avoiding the tumble dryer where possible, being more aware of kettle use and water heating, reducing lighting use where it was not needed, and making small changes to showering and hot water use.
We also looked at the home itself. Simple draught proofing, making better use of heating controls, and adding reflective panels behind radiators all help keep heat in the home for longer. That means less reliance on heating and a more comfortable space day to day.
Alongside this, we completed a full income and support check. This identified around £293 per year in additional financial support that Linda was entitled to but not accessing.
The behaviour changes alone are expected to save around £1,199 per year. When combined with energy efficiency advice and income support, the total estimated saving comes to £1,532 per year.
To support Linda further, we provided a Heat the Person pack. This included practical items designed to keep her warm without relying fully on central heating. Small changes like this can make a real difference, especially for someone at home throughout the day.
We also made referrals to additional organisations who could offer wider support.
This included Citizens Advice, Turn2Us and the National Support Network. These referrals help make sure that support does not stop with energy advice, but continues across financial wellbeing and day to day living.
For Linda, the biggest change is not just the saving.
It is the understanding.
Before, energy use just happened in the background. Heating, cooking, washing. It all added up without a clear picture of what it meant or how to manage it.
Now, there is more control.
The home is still warm. Daily routines have not been turned upside down. But the way energy is used is more efficient, more considered, and less stressful.
The estimated carbon saving from the changes made is 1.13 tonnes of CO2 each year. That is roughly the same as driving over 3,500 miles in an average petrol car.
For someone already dealing with health challenges, removing some of that financial pressure and uncertainty makes a real difference.
If you are in a similar position and finding energy costs hard to manage, you can speak to YES Energy Solutions. We will work through your situation with you and help find simple, practical ways to make things easier.
We have changed the name to protect customer privacy but all information is factual.
“I didn’t realise how much I could change without making life harder”
