In late 2015, Jenny* contacted the Affordable SA Helpline (1800 025 539) at the recommendation of her energy provider. Jenny moved back to Adelaide 5 years ago from New Zealand since her son was ill. Since moving back, she was unable to find a job which allowed her to care for her son and was placed on a Carer’s Payment from Centrelink. Due to various factors, such as the drastic difference in electricity prices in South Australia, she was unable to make payments on her electricity bill and was therefore disconnected.
The disconnection occurred 4 months prior to her call and she has been living without gas and electricity since.
Jenny is an extremely resourceful person and has been able to cook and wash without gas and electricity for the past 4 months. When asked how she is managing to wash her clothes without a washing machine, Jenny stated that she fills a large barrel with water and powder, places her white clothing into the makeshift machine, places the barrel in the back of her car and drives around running her errands. She then swaps the whites for coloured clothing, and rolls the barrel down the street. ‘The entire neighbourhood knows who I am and I’ve made heaps of friends this way’ Jenny said.
Although this method of washing might be effective, it is not efficient and due to her son being moved back into her house, she needs electricity to run the medical machinery needed to keep her son alive.
When asked how she managed to cook her meals, she stated that she used an open fire pit in the backyard. Although this method worked for a few months, the fire department and local police stopped and fined Jenny as she was causing a fire hazard.
The financial counsellor that she was placed with through calling The Affordable SA helpline was able to get Jenny a $400 EEPS (emergency electricity payment scheme) grant and contacted the energy provider to have Jenny’s electricity and gas reconnected. Jenny is now on an affordable payment plan through Centapay where she need not worry about her next bill or where she will find the money to pay any future electricity and gas bills.
(*names have been changed)