Nat from Leicester’s experience with our Green Doctor

Nat from Leicester had been wondering about his energy bills – was he paying too much? Could there be cheaper ways of keeping his home warm? With these questions in mind, he rang the Green Doctor after a recommendation from a friend, who had received a visit and was able to save money on his energy bills.

Nat arranged for the Green Doctor to visit him and his wife at home and was pleased to meet Cath – one of over a dozen energy-efficiency experts at charity Groundwork Five Counties, who provide the free Green Doctor service around the East Midlands.

Cath looked at the household’s energy bills and noticed Nat was on a dual tariff, which is ideal for people with storage heaters as they receive cheaper rates on energy during the night. However, Nat does not own storage heaters, and this worked out more expensive than a standard tariff.

With one quick phone call to his energy company, Cath was able to save Nat around £80 a year – but she didn’t stop there!

The couple hadn’t realised they were eligible for the priority register, which provides extra support and emergency cover in the unlikely case of a power outage.

Cath also signed them up for the Big Difference Scheme by Severn Trent Water, which helps people save up to 70% on their water bill, and the Great British Insulation Scheme which provides free loft, wall and cavity insulation to eligible households.

While Nat waits for his applications to be processed, he is already feeling the benefit of the energy-saving measures Cath installed in his home – LED light bulbs and radiator foil that keeps the heat in.

Cath also advised on how the best use their heating system, boiler, and other appliances. For instance, using the eco setting on a washing machine can save up to 60%, whilst lowering the thermostat one degree saves around £100 a year.

Nat says: “Thanks to the Green Doctor I can now save money, keep my house warmer for less and make free improvements.

“I would say everyone should get a Green Doctor visit, it’s completely free and is a big help, especially when the weather is turning cold.”

For more information and to arrange a home visit, visit: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/fivecounties/green-doctor/