To not allow my DC to go cold when my energy company has announced sickening profits?

[WhatTheHeckToDo]

I’ve spent a week of sleepless nights worrying about how I’m going to afford my energy bill this winter. I’m disabled with a disabled child so I’m on a fixed income. There’s nowhere to find extra money.

I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s sod all I can do about the prices. I’ve set a maximum limit of what I can afford and I will pay that monthly; if I build up a debt, then so be it.

There are desperate threads on here asking how to survive in an 8 degree house. Disgusting in 2022. I will cut back on usage but not to the point we are freezing.

I have decided I will not allow my DC to go cold whilst these energy companies are making millions in profit . Enough really is enough.

Has anyone else come to this reasoning?

You have a plan to pay, not a refusal. Nothing unreasonable about that.

I think you should look at whether having a disabled person in the family does entitle you to some extra assistance.

It won't be this winter, but please remember when you come to vote in 2024.

Hi OP
As you have a disabled child, sign up to the priority services register with your supplier. It's there to ensure you are the priority for power if ever there's power cuts etc but also it means you can't be disconnected.

My dad is in the same position. He has a disability and three pieces of medical equipment that is dependent upon energy. His supplier keeps putting his DD up but he's keeping it to what he can afford and has said he'll chip away at the debt when he can. He is not going to live in the freezing cold and potentially make his health worse, though of course he will be more careful with usage.

My guess is that energy companies are more likely to pursue people who are not paying anything, rather than people who are genuinely doing their best. Don't quote me on that! But that's my hope.

If you're on a low income and vulnerable there's extra grants of up to £1500 from energy trusts in addition to the other £650, £150 and £400 from the government, which will help enormously with the extra cost.

Googling or looking on Moneysavingexpert.com will lead to to where to apply.