The ghastliness of gas bills and budgeting.
I had had gas fired central heating fitted in the house when I
bought it. The plumber who installed it conscientiously explained to
me how the clock, instrumental in working the thermostat, should be
set to regulate the hours and temperature needed during any
twenty-four hours. His explanation seemed a little complicated, but I
was too proud to go over it all again. The result was that at the end
of the first cold water quarter I had a gas bill for £489.93. It was
terrible and frightening. Fortunately, my mother, always generous,
agreed to lend me the money to pay the bill. But even she, biased,
was incredulous that I didn’t understand the workings of my own
boiler. I abandoned pride and asked the plumber back. He came, was
very understanding, and soon its intricacies became clear.
I rang the Gas Board and spoke to a charming woman, one Mrs
Hall. I asked her the best way to pay the gas bill on a limited income
and she suggested she should send me a Gas Budget plan. On
receiving it I worked out how much gas I used weekly, on average
through the year. With this knowledge the gas bill in now paid
through a Banker’s Order, so much every month throughout the
year. Consequently, I am spared the agony of the dreaded brown
envelope on the mat waiting to frighten me when I come down in
the morning, demanding large sums of money for the Gas Board. If
you want to learn to love your boiler, I recommend this system.
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