Small Changes = Smarter Energy Project– The Journey of Arifullah Safi
RMC have been supporting clients with the cost of living crisis as part of the Energy Redress scheme. Arifullah was one such client who was facing significant challenges in managing his household energy consumption.
Following the arrival of the Western alliance support for Afghanistan in 2001, “my country underwent profound changes”, opening opportunities for young people like Jawed. These changes became the foundation of what Jawed calls the “golden age” of his life.
Background
Arifullah Safi, a recent arrival to the UK from Afghanistan, was facing significant challenges in managing his household energy consumption. Coming from a background where energy-saving techniques were not commonly discussed or practiced, he had little knowledge about reducing energy costs or improving energy efficiency in his home.
Upon settling in the UK, Arifullah quickly realized that energy bills were a major household expense. However, he was unaware of simple yet effective strategies that could help lower costs. Terms like LED bulbs, switching energy providers, and reducing peak-time consumption were completely new to him. He had also never considered the impact of leaving appliances on standby or the benefits of insulating his home properly.
As a result, his energy bills were consistently high, causing financial strain on his household. Without clear guidance, he continued his usual habits—leaving lights and appliances on, using inefficient heating methods, and not exploring cheaper energy tariffs.
RMC’s Energy Awareness Workshop
RMC receives Energy Redress Scheme funding distributed by the Energy Saving Trust to support our clients with increasing energy awareness and encouraging energy saving behaviour to positively impact their bills and the environment.
Recognising the need for support, Arifullah attended an Energy Awareness Workshop organized by RMC. The workshop aimed to educate individuals and families on cost-effective ways to reduce their energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable home environment.
During the session, Arifullah learned several valuable lessons, including:
- The benefits of switching to LED light bulbs, which consume significantly less electricity than traditional bulbs.
- How using reflective radiator foils can prevent heat loss and keep rooms warmer.
- The impact of switching off unused appliances and sockets instead of leaving them on standby.
- How to compare and switch energy providers to get the best possible deal.
- The importance of using energy during off-peak hours to reduce costs.
The workshop also included interactive demonstrations, real-life examples, and guidance on using government energy support schemes.
Following the workshop, Arifullah implemented many of the suggested changes. He switched all his household bulbs to LED lights, installed reflective radiator foils, and became more mindful of turning off unused appliances. He also actively monitored his energy usage and switched to a more cost-effective energy tariff.
Within a short period, Arifullah began noticing real, tangible benefits. Despite the colder months, his energy bill decreased compared to previous months. He expressed his gratitude, stating that the workshop had not only helped him financially but also empowered him with knowledge that he could share with his family and community.
Conclusion
Arifullah’s experience highlights the power of energy awareness education. A simple, well-structured workshop equipped him with practical knowledge, enabling him to make meaningful changes in his daily energy consumption. His success story serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the Energy Awareness Workshop, demonstrating how accessible and straightforward changes can lead to significant savings and a more energy-efficient lifestyle.
By continuing to educate and support families like Arifullah’s, initiatives like the Energy Redress Scheme can play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and financial well-being across communities.
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