ALONE Community Response Service got a call from an older woman called Eileen who lived on her own and was distressed and confused: She had a letter to say that her gas was going to be cut off within 10 days.

She had recently changed address and a €400 deposit charge had been added to her  bill. With heating bills accumulated during the severe weather of the winter she now had a total bill for over €900.

There was no way that she was going to be able to pay the bill within the required time.

ALONE called to Eileen’s home and reassured her that a solution could be found. Together we called Bord Gáis. We went through her options and with Eileen’s agreement requested Bord Gáis to install a gas meter in her home.

Eileen now does not have to pay a deposit and can pay off her arrears via the gas meter over a manageable period for her. Importantly she was not cut off, and did not incur additional charges for being disconnected and reconnected.

Eileen was very relieved with this outcome.

ALONE Community Response Service is dealing with an increasing number of requests for crisis support regarding benefits and finance – 7% of the total calls in January rose to 25% in March.