Case Studies
We’ve helped over 850 residents since January 2022, providing them with access and information to support towards the cost of their energy bills. Our advice is always impartial, independent and best of all, free.
Read on below to see some of the ways we’ve helped people
Swansea Men’s Wellbeing Group
“It was great to hear what support is available during the cost of living crisis - many of our group members need services like this”
— Philip, Swansea Mens’ Wellbeing group leader
Did you know we can also visit groups? Philip from the Swansea Mens’ Wellbeing group got in touch with us to arrange a visit to their weekly meeting at the Swansea Wellbeing Centre on Walter Road in December 2022.
We were able to talk through the support available for winter fuel payments, water and energy tariffs, how best to use energy efficiently at home to reduce bills and we spoke about the benefits of longer-term improvements such as insulation and the financial support available for this.
Philip, Swansea Mens’ Wellbeing group leader, said: “It was great to hear what support is available during the cost of living crisis - many of our group members need services like this”
If you’re part of a group or know someone who is, that may benefit from a visit by one of our team, then you can get in touch with us using the query form on the main page.
Pauline’s Story
“Bradley and the team at Switched On were so helpful with my energy enquiries, they helped me understand my bills and arrange the installation of a Smart Meter.”
Pauline, 83 from Mumbles in Swansea, first visited us at our former pop-up shop on Nelson Street back in February 2022. She was concerned about her energy bill, as her previous supplier had gone bust and she was moved to British Gas. We were able to explain her bills to her, what the charges meant and how they had been calculated. Pauline also wanted to know how best to provide her meter readings to British Gas, so we talked to her about a smart meter. She had previously attempted to get one, but was unable to. We called British Gas on her behalf, provided them with her current readings, and arranged the installation of a free smart meter to help with her future readings.
Once Pauline’s mind was put at ease regarding her bills and meter readings, we talked through what other help is available to her. As she is of pensionable age, Pauline qualified for the Priority Services Register with her supplier, which prioritises her supply in the event of an emergency. We checked with British Gas to see if Pauline was on the list and ensured she was added.
In March 2022, Pauline revisited us to tell us that her smart meter had been installed and how happy she was with it. Pauline said:
“I want to thank you all for the help you showed me. I could never have got a smart meter [on my own]. Life is so much easier not having to try and read meters myself. You took all the stress away for me by talking face-to-face.”
Click here for information about Smart Meters, or here for information about the Priority Services Register.
David’s Story
David first popped in and benefitted from our warm clothes donation station just before Christmas time. After a few conversations, he mentioned he was paying quite a lot on his water bill. We provided him with a leaflet explaining different water tariffs and the best option for him. David gave them a call and had his tariff switched and is now saving over £350 a year!
But that wasn’t all, David came back to us recently to get some help with his prepayment meter and energy bills. After speaking through his options, and helping him to download his energy supplier’s phone app to access and manage his bills and top-ups more easily, we have reduced his energy debt and lowered his monthly payments by £25 a month.
David, from Dyfatty, said: “They’ve been a great help, I’ve saved over £50 a month just by switching my water tariff and seeking support with my energy debt”
Bradley, our Energy Awareness Project Officer, said: “I’m so pleased we were able to support David and help to lower his monthly outgoings. For David, it was so important being able to just drop-in and speak to us without the need or hassle of an appointment. Just an easy, simple chat helped to save him money.”
Our High Street Hub is located at the Swansea Community Workshops (SA1 1PE) just down from Swansea Train Station. We’re open every Thursday and Friday, 10am – 4pm.
“They’ve been a great help, I’ve saved over £50 a month just by switching my water tariff and seeking support with my energy debt”
— David, Dyfatty
Get in touch.
If you or your group share our vision for Swansea then we hope you will get in touch and join the project. It would be great to see a united front of individuals and groups working together, so please do get in touch, even if it is just to give us your support.
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