How Green Doctor Support Helped Resident Cut Costs and Feel in Control

At 70 years old, Dr LB lives independently and is a resident of Hammersmith and Fulham borough and, like many older residents, is navigating rising living costs and an unpredictable energy market. When she lost access to her winter fuel allowance (nearly £200 for under-80s), she began to worry about how she would manage through the colder months.

She first discovered the H&F Healthy Homes service while attending a local day centre for over 60s. A leaflet offering free home visits from energy-efficiency experts caught her eye. Curious about what support was available, she did a quick online search and picked up the phone to learn more.

What appealed most to Dr LB was the idea of someone coming directly to her home. She wasn’t experiencing damp or heating breakdowns, but she was deeply concerned about energy usage and how to reduce costs. She had already taken steps to manage her energy bills and believed she was on the most affordable tariff – but she welcomed a professional assessment to ensure nothing was being missed. Green Doctors have supported many households in this way, helping people save an estimated £494,382 on their energy bills (based on 2023 figures).

During the home visit, the Green Doctor inspected her property and confirmed it was well-insulated. However, it was her energy tariff that raised concern. It turned out she wasn’t on the most affordable tariff. The Green Doctor supported her to switch providers on the spot, guiding her step-by-step through the application process, offering reassurance and support throughout.

The results were immediate. The new tariff meant Dr LB could save enough each year to cover nearly a month’s worth of groceries. This wasn’t just a one-time benefit but the savings would continue year after year, giving her long-term reassurance.

“I thought I was already getting the best deal. I was surprised to learn I wasn’t – and grateful for the support to make the switch there and then.”

In addition to practical help, the visit also provided useful information about insulation grants that Dr LB had assumed were no longer available. Armed with this new knowledge, she passed on details to several people in her community, some of whom have since successfully applied for support.

Beyond financial savings, the visit offered something less tangible but equally important: peace of mind. Dr LB described the appointment as “comfortable, jargon-free and empowering.” The advice she received felt tailored and accessible – not overly technical or intimidating.

Today, she feels more confident about managing her home energy use and knows she can turn to the Green Doctor service again if her circumstances change.

“I’d absolutely use the service again if I move or need another review. Just knowing it’s there makes a big difference.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from free, expert advice on how to stay warm, reduce energy bills, and feel more in control at home, get in touch with Green Doctor today. Small changes can make a big difference.