“I go out and see clients and find out how we can help them…you have to remember that people in financial difficulties are sometimes embarrassed to ask for help,” said Lloyd. “It’s our job to try and help them get back on track by advising them how to manage accounts and showing them what assistance is available to them.”

Lloyd and Lumo Energy recognise that people in these situations need more support – which is why Lumo Energy is working with The Salvation Army.  

"We congratulate Lumo Energy on being the first company to support our Red Shield Appeal TV campaign. It highlights Lumo’s commitment to work with us to assist families with their immediate utility crisis in a way that maintains dignity and encourages self-reliance," said Dr Bruce Redman from The Salvation Army. 

Lumo’s donation to the ‘Utilities Assistance Program’ will help clients struggling to pay utility bills at selected Salvation Army centres across the country.   

"So many Australian households are facing severe hardship due to generational and entrenched poverty, and the recent and disturbing trend of situational poverty,” said Dr Redman. 

Each May The Salvation Army releases a survey of its emergency relief clients and repeatedly finds that individuals and families struggle with energy payments. This year’s report showed: 

• 28% of families struggle to even heat one room in their home in winter
• 55% of people are unable to pay utility bills on time