A DEFIANT couple who pledged not to use their central heating due to spiralling bills have braved the Siberian blast of bitter weather.
For the last year the couple have not been using any heating in their home. Despite the recent freezing weather the couple, in their 60s, have no intention of giving in.
And they have saved hundreds of pounds since taking the stand last March.
They said their protest is for hard-up families all over Britain and a “kick in the teeth” to energy giants which have hiked prices regardless of the cold.
Mrs Bell, of Yelland, Devon, said that like many pensioners she was afraid of soaring energy bills and started the protest after hearing about a heating boycott by an 80-year-old woman.
She added: “Some time ago, on the radio, I heard an elderly lady in her 80s say that she hasn’t had her heating on for some three years.
“I thought if she can do it, so can I.
“I wanted to highlight the appalling consequences of blood-sucking power companies on pensioners, one-parent families and those on low incomes.
oanne and Jim Bell's home in Barnstaple, Devon I wanted to highlight the appalling consequences of blood-sucking power companies on pensioners
“And now I jump out of bed in the morning knowing that I’m saving money and that it’s a real kick in the teeth to the power companies.” The couple have received a £300 rebate from British Gas on their dual fuel bill in the last 12 months.
Mr Bell said: “Through economising, we had already reduced our standing order from £60 a month to £35. It’s not been a problem.
“It was all in the mind and we’ve no plans to turn it back on.”
The couple and their dog Bob kept warm with hot water bottles and woolly clothes. But Mrs Bell added: “I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone. If you have sick or elderly relatives you simply couldn’t do it – or if you have young children it wouldn’t be possible.”
Energy companies have come under fire for price hikes this winter before announcing massive yearly profits.
No comments:
Post a Comment