'Save-Our-Solar' campaign to support UK FiTs reaches 500 messages in 2 hours

by ClickGreen staff. Published Sat 29 Oct 2011 11:21, Last updated: 2011-10-29

48 hour campaign to oppose December FiT

ClickGreen has now received 500 messages in the first two hours of its “Save-Our-Solar” campaign from consumers and suppliers all opposed to the reported Government plans to bring forward Feed-in Tariff cuts.

Proposals for a 50% reduction in UK solar PV Feed-in Tariffs, to come into effect from December 8 this year, are expected to be announced in Parliament on Monday.

But yesterday's blunder by the Energy Saving Trust, which revealed the anticipated details before the weekend, has provided a unique two-day window for the industry and consumers to come together to voice their opposition over this weekend.

ClickGreen has been inundated by comments condemning the Government decision, and will now collect all messages asking to defer December's deadline and forward them directly to Secretary of State Chris Huhne, fellow Ministers Greg Barker and Charles Hendry and the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

If you want to add weight to the argument for pushing back the proposed December 8 cut-off date, please email ClickGreen's 'Save Our Solar' campaign at sos@clickgreen.org.uk , tweet a message to us on Twitter @ greensourcenews, leave a note on our ClickGreen Facebook page or simply leave a comment below.

The ClickGreen team have volunteered to work over this weekend to collect each and every message to pass on to the heads of Government ahead of Monday's anticipated Parliamentary statement.

There are two days to voice your strong opinion and help influence Monday's announcement.

Comments about 'Save-Our-Solar' campaign to support UK FiTs reaches 500 messages in 2 hours

'Clarity, Consistency and Confidence' were offered on Energy by this govt. This is not being delivered. Is this going to be a consultation?
M Maclean, Hampshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Although the rates needed to be reduced, this is too much, & too quick.
Jon. Cogzell, Swindon around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Shortermism of this sort is disastrous for our workforce, our industry and our future. Lack of political will....
Tim, Somerset around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

I am from a electrical wholesaler and i find this unbelieveable that the government would rather have people on the dole not working IDIOTS!
Kenny McNaughton, Hastings around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Government let the wind farm blade makers on the Isle of Wight close. That was the start. Why is everything made abroad now ? Shameful.
Aitch, Dorset around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

So many lives will be influenced in a negative destructive way, where is the hope Goverment?
Charles Berry, Cornwall around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Government not paying for this, so why interfere with a scheme that encourages renewable energy, It's working so don't dismantle
David, Wilts around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

In a time of soaring energy costs and pollution, this does not seem the wisest decision ever made. Govt forgetting its own emission targets?
G, D around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

How is this industry expected to grow? Customers being actively dis-encouraged! Jobs being threatened, by irresponsible government decisions
M.Lal, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Causing unemployment in this market,changing legislation for a growing industry,& lying about'green govnt'.What kind of leaders are these?
SH, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Bad move from a government that claimed green credentials before the elections.
Richard T, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

We need alternatives to fossil fuels. This action needs to be reversed to save jobs and our environment.
Jessica, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Boom & Bust! I can't believe the government are actively seeking to destroy this industry.
Ben Fisher, Cumbria around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

THE GOVERNMENT ARE INCAPABLE OF DOING ANYTHING WITH THE PUBLIC'S INTEREST AT HEART!!!!
HA, london around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

What a shame to get the revisions so wrong both from a timing and a 'level of cuts' perspective. Government must reconsider immediately.
Paul Dickinson, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

We're all in this together! - I think not. Govt are BACKSTABBERS. Give with one hand and take back with both! I can't afford to get them
Mrs Cooke, london around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Shocked at the governments irresponsible behaviour. We need to build the green economy and support green jobs for a sustainable future.
Chloe Hall, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

How can industry plan in the face of knee jerk policy changes? Avoid boom and bu...
Jon, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Severly clipping the wings of a growth sector in the current economy is simply madness
David, Worcester around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

They really are on a different planet!
Gavin, Herts around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

will I be employed this afternoon or will the government have destroyed another industry
Charles, Essex around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

The proposed off shore wind farms will get investment and who owns the land under the sea,the Queen! She should look after us!!
Ian Jones, Oxford around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Tory policy 101: inherit a progressive policy. Watch commercial sector react as intended. Slash subsidy. Lose jobs and investors. Genius
David E, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

PV companies have prepared for cuts in April 2012; bringing them forward will leave many with stock and staff they cannot sustain. Fatal.
Ali Ross, Cumbria around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

A huge blow to making green mainstream and encouraging job creation that the UK so desperately needs
Estee , London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Time should be taken to review this tariff before so many jobs are lost and provide late subscribers with a chance to sign up.Greenest Gov??
Andrew Spicer, Bristol around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

crazy decision. help people go green!
Andrew, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Something is defintely Amiss" here - FiTs Arent paid for by Public Money so Why the review?. Did we vote in an impotent Tory Government ?
JA Somerset, Essex around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

please dont destroy jobs and the environment by this decision
Rebecca Cabaniss, Gateshead around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

make the big 6 pay for the FITs why destroy a new green industry? This would make us self sufficient and cut carbon emissions and create job
Laura, Cumbria around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

What are the government think of, surely this is the future for cheaper energy. They are making a big...BIG mistake.
Graham Sparrow, Dartford, Kent around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Legislation-the collective making of a law. I know! why dont we have a collective law that prevents changing legeslation! Its a discrace!!!!
richard@marchgroup.co.uk (March Photovoltaics), Leighton Buzzard, Beds around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Thought this government was looking to help unemployment not create it!!! This Country needs help fast as we are going under!!!
David, Nottingham around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Unbelievable, the big six cartel seem to have a hold on a whimpish coalition. The govt are obviouslt not serious about reducing carbon
Colin, West Sussex around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

False economy and once again thinking short term rather than long term. So wrong.
Hayley Lee, Crawley around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Please GOV, think carefully about this and the unemployment it creates, record profits from energy companies!?!?!
Kurt G, Devon around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Do ministers really NOT understand this is death of the industry? Have they compared the cost of FiTs with the true cost of killing it off!
Alan Aldridge, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

DECC you are truly special. Fantasy economics and an austerity fetish will kill jobs, growth & tax but boost CO2 & fuel poverty. Nice work.
John Faulks, Grantham around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

So much for the 'Greenest Government Ever'! How to decimate an industry segment that’s helping with UK employment. Completely Ludicrous
Yaw, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

A new sector is trying to be born: the residential renewable energy services sector. You need us, the planet needs us, don't kill us off!!!
Mary Burtt, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

A myopic, hypocritical piece of vandalism. The UK solar industry is delivering jobs and clean power but the old school Tories won't die.
Dan Davies, Bath around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

This will destroy any confidence in the industry and destroy jobs. If you treated the finance sector like this they'd be up in arms.
Paul, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

So this is what came out the Govts meeting with the big SIX power suppliers a few weeks ago.We were told shop around,big6 told wellsort it
Den, Sittingbourne around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Mortified if this goes through,how can goverments be allowed to change the rules to suit. Yet again jobs will be lost. !!!!!!!!!
SRS, lancs around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

How are we ever going to get out of this recession when the government are going to cause chaos by this bad decision, many unemployed wrong!
Kevin Scott, Lincoln around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Barker promised TLC, where is the transparency, longevity and certainty now?
Sally, Southampton around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

So many people believed in this, and feel good about 'going green'. Are you going to snatch it away,make people go bust without warning?
Martin, Bournemouth around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

This will affect homeowners and business alike. It isn't costing the Government anything so why ruin a great way to encourage solar.
Teresa, Herts around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

I might head over to St. Pauls, frustrating the growth industries = no social mobility. Too many reasons why this is a bad move.
Jonathan Watts, Leicester around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Will lead to job losses and crush our chances of establishing green/renewable industry. Nuclear? Higher cost short+med+long term and deadly!
Simon Godfrey, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

A sensible review could keep thousands in work and paying taxes. I think a review of the implications would be a good place to start.
Duncan, Somerset around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

say no to {fit} cuts lets stand together and march in london let the no how we feel
save free solar, england around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

FiT is not from Govt funds/budget, but from the utilities who are reporting record profits; it should not be cut so soon or so drastically.
Simon Godfrey, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

yet agan the rich taken more from the poor people need free solar but then agan the torys have never bin for the working man
martin, chester around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Britain's divided and inconsistent policies are costing us the economic opportunity from a low carbon revolution... hurting, not helping!
Mark Linder, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

We need a proper public debate, not leaked intelligence of rushed decisions which create uncertainty in a growing British industry.
Hilary Durman, Southampton around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

This will do nothing but destroy the industry and cause thousands of job losses, stop killing this great country and see sense
Ken Dorning, Derbyshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Just got a job in solar and now it looks like i will lose it due to the massive reductions in the fit. Back to being unemployed
shabir haider, yorkshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Greg Barker "Avoid Boom and Bust" This action has clear indication of Bust and 25000 jobs in jeopardy. Please think about this.
Michael O'Connell, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

FITs need to be gradually reduced until the industry can be self sufficient, but enough notice should be given for companies to adapt!
Erica, Newbury around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Another indication that the Government has no clue about the impact of its decisions on the people and business delivering solar
josh, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

too halve the schem would cause it to falter, risking industry jobs, aswell as drastically reduce uptake on pv, reduce ok dont kill!!
Danny, Bradford around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

A new job in the solar industry 6 weeks ago and now the prospect of being out of work! Do the GOV want to pay out more benefits?
Kurt G, Devon around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

This is wrong we live in a society that requires us to save energy. This action needs to be reversed to save jobs and people money
Richard welland, Bognor Regis around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Government wants consumers to spend money to help the economy and then do this? Shame on you as your green credentials are worthless.
Gary , Stockton-on-Tees around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

FiTs have to fade away but you need a more stable approach to achieve a good landing. Believe in yourselves and do better than this. Please.
ACS, Cambridge around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

20,000 job losses by Xmas and 2000 businesses going bankrupt. How can David Cameron let this happen?
sue welland, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

What a waste! You hear of cuts like this and then the billions spent on war/olmypics and all the loop holes for the rich to get richer.
Elisa, Bournemouth around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

The FIT should be cut but 5 weeks?! Order bks are double that. This government is bonkers. None of them have ever worked in the real world.
Ian, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Cutting the FIT with 5 wks' notice shows how little Tories know about running a business. DC & Greg Barker are not fit to run the country.
Charles, Reading around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

disgraceful decision from our leaders !!, don't kill the industry, help the house holder, if you want to hit anyone hit the tory roof renter
rob, wales around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

This has to come, need more time to prepare. Listen to the people.
Joe, Essex around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Cut to <8% IRR would be ok, but this is way too far. Soc. housing and free solar wiped out. The rich can play,whilst the poor still pay.
Dave Sowden, Micropower Council around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

having work very hard setting up my solar company and employiny 12 people ,i will now have to let them go .i will never vote conserative aga
myke , birmingham around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

To truly change our nation's attitude towards renewable energy we need to stabalise the industry, not build it up then take it to guillotine
joe, bristol around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

solar firm we used have full books to Feb and have just appointed more installers.They expected March not Dec. Absolutely crazy decision.
chris, south wales around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

An industry growing will suddenly be cut in half. No real incentive for the average householder to generate their own energy.
Simon Powell, Essex around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

It's imperative that th UK is left with a sustainble solar PV sector. The proposed tarrif jeopardises 10,000s of jobs
Spencer, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

This will have a seriously effect on what could have been a much brighter future for our country
Guy, Bristol around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

If my mp votes for this then my vote goes elsewhere. I suggest we all email or call them before Monday http://findyourmp.parliament.uk/
Donavan , Cambridgeshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

I work for an amazing solar company- amazing opportunities for jobs, customers and the environment-everyone wins- I hope people can see that
Megan, london around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

It's not the Government that pays the FIT anyway, it's the electricity suppliers. There must have been some serious lobbying to cause this!
Jim, East Sussex around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Instead of order taking we'll have to start selling and beat Climate Change through Salesmanship. Tories have scammed public / biz operator
RICH WILLIAMS, Oxford Street around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

My company has 8 staff this will mean 8 more people on the dole! What a joke what are they playing at!!!
phil sparrow, kent around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

We all accept a reasonable cut is required but the timescale is horrific. 2 days to re-write business plans and save jobs!!
Matt , Cheshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

This fledgling industry needs protecting at all costs. This decision MUST be challenged, we need MORE homes producing green energy!
Shogunner, Rayleigh, Essex around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

If this is what they are going to do on Monday, then I will cancel my uk installation and get solar on my USA house where you get 30% subsid
Paul Lyons, Formby around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

How to loose 25,000 jobs and increase companies going bust! unreal a joke! these people are running the country
Paul , St Helens around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

This morning I arranged for SDS to quote me for a PV installation. But now, I'll probably have to cancel it as will no longer be worthwhile
Paul Bruce, Northwich around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

If they try to do it retrospectively for those already in, a legal challenge is on.. vcr
vcr, Birmingham,UK around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

UNBELIEVEABLE!pulling the FIT deadline forward with no notice or consultation, is this a government or a dictatorship?
Darius Goldstraw, Cumbria around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

oil gets subsidised and yet the UK is still in denial that solar is a big chunk of our way forward
NeiallsWheel, gatwick,UK around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

i work in the solar industry whats going to happen to my job how can the goverment claim to be green then kill a green industry bonkers
michael, leicester around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Sensible degression is required to ensure sustainability and best value but this will kill off one of the UK's few current success stories
Ian Q, Leeds around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Sensible degression is required to ensure sustainability and best value, but this will kill one of the UK's few current success stories
Ian, Leeds around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Why does the Govt hate the idea of investors installing on social housing? Investors get much higher returns from gas, nuclear and wind.
SFW, Surrey around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

I accept that the tariff needs to be cut but giving me just 6 weeks is not long enough
Lee Standell, Bexhill around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Come on Mr Huhne lets have a bit of common sense! We are just starting to convince householders of this brilliant way forward and now this!!
Justin Jarrett, Hastings around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

I'm having a FIT!
Thomas mastin, Derbyshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

The policy makers here are just demonstrating why we're so far behind most of Europe in terms of renewables. Mental.
Jon, Loughborough around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Very short sighted. A mini boom is underway, can only be good for the economy, this will kill it dead. Hopefully it won't be retrospective
Nicholas Vale, Hampshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Reduction in Feed in Tarriff were inevitable. But to make such DEEP and DRASTIC cuts without allowing time to adapt is disgraceful. Shameful
paul, north east around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Shocking lack of vision & leadership to take is to sustainable & low carbon economy. We deserve better than this in UK.
Michael Townsend, Huntingdon around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Just weeks after the energy companies anounce record profits another stab in the back from the con-dems.
Grant Hutchinson, Chesterfield around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Failure to monitor policy. Failure to regulate rent-a-roof. Failure to listen to the industry. Failure to show foresight.No CO2 Targets met.
Heliotricity Solar, Tunbridge Wells around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Bad enoughthe threat of reductions in feed in. Our "old" home may never reach C grade on efficiency unless rebuilt!
Carol , Cumbria around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

This is ridiculous, how job losses will their be.
Ken, Derbyshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Invested 1000s employed 3 others paid taxes bought products was looking for an apprentice we had to pay to work WHAT NOW
Phill Sylvester, South Wales around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Have just settled into my new job as a Solar Specialist, enjoying and believing in the product i work with, am I soon to be unemployed?!!!
Ben Azar, East Yorkshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Do we have an incompetent Government making knee jerk reactions.. its shameful
Steve, New Milton around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

The new FIT timescale is unworkable. Going to be a tough month with some very angry customers whose installs won't be completed. Thanks DECC
Kerry Burns, Bristol around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

The economic knock on effect is bound to outweigh the thoughts of 'slashing' the tariff by so much...
Rich, Derby around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

They send 7 billon of aid but don't look after the uk tax payer who make uk plc work
Tim, Brown around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Mr Huhne, at last a well regulated fast growing industry..dont you want structured growth its like your the king and were the sorry people
Gary, Lincs around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Disgraceful we will be left with huge debts from installers who will default now they have no future.
NMS , Notts around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

An appalling way to treat thousands of honest, hard working people who are striving to hit this government's own targets for renewables
John, North East around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

The hypocrisy of this government is astounding. Lots of talk about being green followed by stabs in the back. This will kill 1000s of jobs
Tristan, Buckinghamshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Don't be responsible for the collapse of the only growth industry and loss of 1000s of jobs in an industry that should be growing.
Juliet, Bristol around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

No Boom and Bust? well, with this review there is definitley a tremendous risk of bust for many companies
Cornelia I.C.iT Energy Solutions, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Just about to order a system but not now How can we ever believe government guarantees again
Alan, Matlock around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

disgraceful how they can get away with renegotiating so suddenly.
max atkinson, cornwall around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

We've several projects that start in Jan so the Dec 8th date could be catastrophic for us & leave us with up to 5MW of redundant stock
Chris Witte, Holywell around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Just placed an order, now worried I will miss the 8th deadline.....
Simon, Lincs around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Still the "nasty party" and a sly, dishonest and regressive gang who treat UK plc like an under-graduate project. A straight FAIL Barker...
Andy Baird, Leyland around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

One has to pinch oneself to believe this is happening. 25000 jobs at risk is too large a number to ignore
james@ardenhamenergy.co.uk, Aylesbury around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Recently found employment in this sectoe after being unemployed, now it looks like I will be out of work again. terrible decision.
Dean, West Midlands around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Nobody denies that the tariffs must come down. Its the scale and timetable which is scandalous. Remember when next election comes round.
Tim Pollard, Leamington Spa around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

25000 employees + Families + suppliers facing overnight debt. By all means cut the FiTs, but in April. GIve us time to adjust. Disgrace.
Arran, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

A decision designed to destroy the very green jobs and investment which this Gvt claims to want to see flourish. Utter madness.
Seb Berry, London around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Partner has just pent several thousand pounds for MCS accreditation. Four instals lined up all of whom will cancel if 50% cut. Thanks govt.
Angela, West Wales around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

I was just on the verge of placing an order, will not do so now, looks like the end of the solar industry in the UK, more jobs gone
G Eden, Shropshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

25,000 jobs are at stake. So much for the "greenest Government ever."
Frances, Bucks around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

I have faith that this speculation merely serves to cushion the blow of a 20-30% payment cut. Time will tell
owen, glasgow around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Just had fitted a system last week, how can they cut Guarenteed FIT payments, so much for guarentees
J Gibbs, South wales around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Our employees now face an uncertain future after paying thousands of pounds to MCS to become certified installers.
Vince Smith, Exeter around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Mr Barker, if you don't formulate a workable solar pv incentive your career is dead and your credibilty will be lost forever.
Chris Bragg, Hampstead around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Why not just limit the number of installs ton one per customer until April. Let the general public benefit rather than the rich business men
Claire, Newcastle around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Let success breed success, don't meddle with a Solar market to the downside, not now, and don't use weasel words to justify your actions
David Brough, Staffordshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

I cannot believe this Governments policies. Job losses will accrue from this. I certainly will reconsider installing panels on my home.
Roy, Bedford around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

This will destroy many small employers who have taken the government at their word, & many thousands of new Green Jobs will be lost ~ Crazy!
David Lowe, Staffordshire around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

The ONLY growth industry in these miserable Con-Dem times so why distroy it?
Bob, Bournemouth around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Congratulations. You have just destroyed an industry and any future confidence in anything any government says in one foul swoop. Well done.
Chris Taylor, North Wales around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Why have they done this If they wanted to save money on the scheme why not insist that FiT goes to home owner not roof renters who take prof
Tim Kane, Cornwall around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Save the industry - give us until january to clear the orders please!
Cernunnos Homes, CB24 9NU around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Mr Huhne, Sorry, but you're a complete disgrace. Robbing the public again, thought you wanted green? Get your act together & help not hinder
Mr Wicks, Redcar around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

The timing is atrocious, not allowing businesses time to adjust costing thousands of £ and thousands of Jobs, so much for consultation!!
Milan Mach, Poole around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

This decision flys in the face of job creation and investing in our infrastructure,
Milan mach, Poole around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

So horrified at this news, loss of jobs in the industry, loss of control for the little people over the energy producers, I wrote to the PM
Mo Mo, Liverpool around 6 months, 3 weeks ago

what a stab in the back for this country.more job losses on the way.Chris huhne will still get his wages.Disgusting
charlie, swansea around 6 months, 3 weeks ago