Clackmannanshire Council has warned Carolyn Hunter that her bill could be incredibly high next year.
Hunter’s daughter, Freya, 12, has severe cerebral palsy and relies on electricity-intensive oxygen for chronic breathing problems.
Without these structures, Freya could not live.
Hunter told the BBC she was “really surprised” when the ‘Titanic’ star stepped in to help with her electricity bills.
Winslet donated £17,000 to the family via a GoFundMe page and also reached out to Ms Hunter to wish them well.
Hunter, 49, said: “Our family journey has been very traumatic and I feel dead at this point in my life.”
“When I heard about the money, I broke down and cried – I thought it wasn’t even real. I still wonder if it’s real,” she told the BBC.
The Hunter family live in a council building that isn’t energy efficient, but has room for little Freya’s vital equipment.
It currently costs them £6,500 (€7,415) a year to maintain equipment and heat the house. Hunter also said he turned off the heat in most of the rooms to save money.
Although he works full-time for moderate pay, he does not receive the same support as low-income people.
Hunter is also concerned that potential winter blackouts in the event of reduced gas supplies could jeopardize Freya’s care.
In addition to her cerebral palsy, Freya relies on oxygen for breathing problems, especially at night.
The family needs the help of at least two nurses or social workers.
Staff are monitoring Freya’s heart rate and oxygen levels. Freya’s assistants often “clear” the airways so that they are clear and Freya can breathe.
In recent months, Freya’s room has been the only one heated to keep her and her staff comfortable, but Ms Hunter said they needed to turn down the heat in Freya’s room as well.
“We’re already frozen and we’re not in the red yet,” Ms Hunter said.
“I forbid the staff to turn off the heating inside if not necessary.
“The city council has installed solar panels, but I don’t think it will help reduce the amount of bills,” he adds.
While the ‘Titanic’ star’s donated money could improve their situation, the current cost-of-living crisis is still a concern for the Hunter family.
Forecasts from Cornwall Insight last month suggested that the energy price cap for average consumers could rise by 73%, although the forecast could be significantly affected by fluctuations in wholesale prices.
Ms Hunter said she would like the Scottish and UK governments to step in to support families with caring responsibilities who may be struggling.
