I will starve to pay my energy bills – without electricity my boy will die
A CARER shared how she starved to pay for electricity to keep her boy alive.
Isaac Blake, nine, has Allan-Herndon-Dudley Syndrome – which requires around-the-clock care and special equipment to keep him alive.
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His guardian Maxine Rothchester has been looking after the young lad since he was just eight months old.
But now she worries how she and Isaac, who weighs just 25 pounds, will cope with the rising cost of living.
Maxine told Sky News: “I, like many parents with children who need this equipment, am very scared.
“The equipment we need is not a choice – for Isaac, it is life.
“He’s got an elevator to get to the top, we’ve got a bath that goes up and down, we’ve got a profiling bed, he’s got 24-hour oxygen – that’s run by a machine. Every aspect of his life is controlled by electricity.”
It comes as energy bills are set to rise by millions later this year as the cost of living crisis hits consumers’ pockets.
Maxine said, “I’ve noticed that they’ve changed.
“We’re probably spending about £30 a week more than we were before. I don’t know exactly how we’re going to handle this when it all goes back up.
“Because the money in will stay the same (but) the money out will be a lot more.”
Isaac has the mind of a newborn and relies on Maxine 24/7, all year round.
This means she is unable to work and is dependent on Universal Credit and help from the NHS.
Energy bill helps when you have problems
There are programs offered by suppliers, local councils, charities and the government that could help.
If you’re struggling with energy bills or other bills, there are many organizations you can get free advice from, including:
You should speak to your utility company first, as they have programs to help with bills and arrears, including hardship funds and grants.
Your local council may also be able to help you with cash and grants if you’re struggling with Household Support program bills.
Every household will benefit from a £400 rebate on energy bills from October.
You may also receive an additional payment if you receive benefits or are disabled.
And with a prepay meter, you can get a one-time £50 top-up voucher.
Check out The Sun’s complete guide for all the energy bill information you can get.
She explained: “Yes, we get disabled housing benefit, but that’s supposed to be for things like play equipment for Isaac.
“It’s not meant to pay the household bills, and that’s what it will be in the end.”
She added, “I’m not asking for much, I’m just asking for help with power to keep my little boy alive.”
Earlier this week energy analysts said bills could reach £5,300 next year.
And The Sun revealed how fatcat bosses will make £15million as Brits choose between heating and eating.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/5999624/carer-hungry-energy-bills-without-electricity/ I will starve to pay my energy bills – without electricity my boy will die
