Power bills, and other rip offs

      Isn't it a constant problem, this expense we have now with power bills. Especially, I discover, with electricity. The majority of households in the UK have combined electricity, and gas for heating, general power, cooking etc. If you are unlucky enough to have an all electric house, forget it. I should know. For the past year, and a bit I have had to struggle with trying to pay, in particular! the heating bill.

       The first, barely two months, cost me the best part of £700. That I hasten to add, was with having the heating on only part of the time, and not overnight either. Natu really, it continued on from there, much the same. How on earth can that be right. Of course, the power company insisted all was well, no sign of any anomalies in the system. How could I argue with the numbers? There it was, in black, and white. The power is turned on, the wheels spin, the dials clock the usage, and bobs your uncle, thats £700 up your shirt! Or in this case, demanded from your bank account forthwith. Or, what happens next, demanding letters, then threatening letters, county court, judgements against you, bigger bill, loss of credit rating, and staring into the financial abyss opening at your feet.

           Of course, I couldn't let all of that happen, so for over a year, I have lived in a chilly, mainly uncomfortable house. My only worry, to ensure the gage on the thermostat is turned right down, and the system off,a s often a s possible.Worrying about how big the next bill would be, and how I could cut down usage even further somehow. I would have moved, got out of there, except everything conspired against me. So, here. I still am. Struggling through another winter.

           Of course if you talk to the power company, they are really very helpful. If you explain how you are sitting in the cold, or in my case, escaping from home as often as possible, to save money. Anything to keep the bills down. Very concerned, they always say,' oh no, don't stay in the cold. It's so bad for you.' Mmmm, interesting, how do I do that then, can I have it free? Or, maybe cheap, that would be really helpful. But, of course.....no. It's just empty platitudes. I guess they don't want bad publicity, and someone at the top, has handed out instructions on how to talk to the financially afflicted.

           How many people are there out there like me? People who can't afford to keep warm. Millions I am sure, and perhaps more, who are even worse off.  They are too old, or infirm to escape the house to  save on power, as I choose to do. They are stuck there, having to endure. No doubt looking more like bundles of clothes, and normal people. If you can't afford to turn on the heating as much as you need, then you must wear extra clothes. Drape yourself with garments, and wish for Summer. All of this, while the power companies rake in bigger, and bigger profits. Where is the government, where is legislation, where is the protection from these fuel robbers. We deserve better. Who is going to protect the common man, not the politicians I presume.

            A few tips,  The recommended temperature inside your home for good health, is between  18 /22. It's not good to heat below 16. If you cannot afford to heat the whole house, heat the living room when you are in there, and the bedroom at night, or at least before you go to bed. Use an electric blamket, quite economical to run, or  wheat pack. No fear of water, either hot, or cold, leaking. Wear more thin layers of clothing, far better than one thick one. Keep moving, if you can't move your whole body, move you hands, and feet. If you can't go and excercise, do thing in the house.  Like chair excercises. Have lots of hot drinks, at regular intervals. Have at least one good hot meal a day. Eat more carbs for creating body heat. If necessary use draught excluders, keep windows shut, and curtain too if you need to. Getting too cold is dangerous for your health, causing strokes, and heart attacks more readily.

            Remember how we used to keep warm... In the dark ages ha ha, before central heating. It can still be done, it just isn't as safe perhaps. So take no risks with dodgy heating units. Use a blanket when you sit down, or wear a shawl, or a dressing gown. Be safe, be warm. Keep those temperatures up, at least in the room you are in.

            Like always, if the government won't, or can't help you, you must help yourself. Keep up the visual programming for better times, and warmer days. In the meantime, do all of the sensible things, and look after yourself out there.