Rekz will make sure families stay warm this winter

Shopkeeper sets up energy bank

Fuel poverty is hitting so many people that a Paisley shopkeeper has set up a Winter Energy Bank.

Rekz Afzal, 32, is helping struggling families to get through the cold weather by topping up their meter payment cards with £ 5 worth of energy.

Rekz already has 10 clients using the system, which he operates from his RSA newsagents and grocery store in the town’s Moss Street.

The retailer, who also operates the Community Fridge and Community Cabinet to help feed impoverished people in the town, says tackling fuel poverty is a priority in stopping families suffering through the winter.

The project is funded by donations from caring businesses and generous individuals who pay into the system which is then accessed by registered folk who are unable to heat their homes.

Rekz said: “There are foodbanks that help with the basic need of food.

“The need of a sufficient supply of energy is just as important. It can be the difference between a hot and cold meal.

“It can prevent hazards to health, allowing those who struggle to keep warm through the cold winter.

“Many low income households suffer from energy shortages throughout the year. But mainly through the winter it can be ever so challenging due to freezing weather.

“The Winter Energy Bank allows financially stable and secure members of the community to make gas and electric donations towards the top up meters of low income households, key, card and smart prepayment meters.

“This gives people with affordable means the chance to help those who struggle with the provision of another vital basic need.

“I have thought this scheme through in order to provide a muchneeded support service.

“It represents a solution to help banish fuel poverty in deprived areas through the convenience store model.

“It works via the bill payment machine PayPoint.”

He added eligible people who present their entitlement to benefits, eg. relevant DWP documentation on Income Support, Employment Support Allowance and JSA, and including those going through lengthy Universal Credit applications, are able to register with the Winter Energy Bank.

Every donation and withdrawal made is recorded through the Epos terminal at his store.

He urged more shopkeepers to take up the scheme and has even written to power bosses asking them to back the project.

Rekz is also inviting people to help out with what they can by making donations to the energy bank.

He added: “Around 5.9 million people in the UK have a prepayment energy meter.

“That is a large part of the market. Generally it is people from a deprived background that are on these meters. Not forgetting those who switch from a contract meter to prepayment, as many people go through hardship.

“Just by looking at the volume of convenience shops in the UK, those who struggle in every community could be looked after by the Energy Bank.

“In terms of the business perspective, energy companies will not lose a single penny. In terms of a marketing perspective, energy firms can build a reputation for sponsoring this initiative and helping it gather pace.”

Rekz was recently honoured with a Provost’s award for his work in distributing free food to the povertystricken in Paisley.

He has handed out more than 4,500 items of food to the hungry since he set up Renfrewshire’s first Community Fridge more than a year ago.