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Saving money on your energy bills

Tips for reducing your bills

Here's some tips on how you can reduce your energy bills while still keeping your home warm and comfortable.

  • check that you are on the cheapest energy plan for your needs - speak to your energy provider or consider switching suppliers
  • replace your light bulbs with energy efficient ones which use less electricity
  • turn the lights off when you leave the room
  • if you have a hot water cylinder, make sure its thermostat is set at 60°C
  • don't leave appliances on standby or continually charge your mobile - when you've finished using something, turn it off
  • when cooking, remember to put the lids on saucepans. Your food will cook more quickly, saving energy
  • don't leave the fridge door open longer than necessary
  • defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently
  • only run the washing machine or dishwasher when you have a full load
  • set the temperature on your washing machine to 30°C for most everyday laundry
  • take short showers instead of running a bath
  • fix dripping taps as soon as possible. One dripping hot water tap can waste the same amount of water as a hot bath in a week
  • get your boiler and other appliances serviced regularly to make sure they're running efficiently and safely

Major energy suppliers are now providing grants to households experiencing financial difficulties.  Some offer support to their own customers - EDF, E.on Next and Scottish Power - whilst British Gas's hardship scheme is available to customers of other suppliers too.

Most of the help offered is in the form of a non-repayable grant worth thousands that goes towards reducing energy debts. This could be vital for struggling households with higher than typical energy bills.

Available to customers of other suppliers

British Gas Energy Trust 'Individuals and Families Fund' British Gas Energy Trust  Individuals and Families Fund

  • In or facing fuel poverty
  • Can't have had British Gas grant in past two years
  • See full info on the British Gas website

Grant of up to £1,500

Apply via the British Gas website

Available to their own customers

 EDF Energy Customer Support Fund

  • Experiencing hardship, or struggling to manage energy debt
  • See full info on the EDF website

Supplier wouldn't confirm grant value

Via the 'Let's Talk' web form or by calling 0800 269 450 (1)

 E.on Next Energy Fund

Also open to customers of Sainsbury's Energy

  • No set criteria, but based on needs and ability to pay energy bills
  • See full info on the E.on Next website

Supplier wouldn't confirm grant value

Via the 'Let's Talk' web form or by calling 03303 801 090 (1)

Octopus Energy Octo Assist Fund

Also open to customers of: Affect Energy, Co-operative Energy, Ebico Living, London Power, M&S Energy

No set grant limit – depends on your circumstances

Via the Octopus web form (you must be logged into your account)

 Scottish Power Hardship Fund

  • In receipt of: income support, jobseeker's allowance, pension credit, or employment and support allowance
  • See full info on the Scottish Power website

Grant value varies depending on need and funds available

Via Scottish Power's web form

 Shell Energy Support Fund

No set grant limit – depends on your circumstances

Call Shell on 0330 094 5800

Utility Warehouse  Customer Support Scheme (in partnership with charity Citizens Advice)

  • In fuel poverty, or about to go into energy debt or run out of prepay credit
  • See full info on the Utility Warehouse website

Supplier wouldn't confirm grant value

Call Utility Warehouse on 0333 777 0777 

 

(1) 'Let's Talk' is part of 'Charis', an organisation that helps support those in utility debt.

People with disabilities or health problems may be able to claim a Disabled Facilities Grant towards the cost of work will make their home warmer and more energy-efficient.

General 

The Money Helper website offers the following advice:

The government have produced a leaflet called Help towards lower bills and warmer homes with all the information which you need.

MSE’s Academy of Money - Free course to give you the skills and knowledge to master your finances. The course was written by The  Open University, with MoneySavingExpert providing support and guidance.

Ofgem regulates the electricity and gas markets in Great Britain. They have information on how to :

Westminster Citizen's Advice have a variety of resources on how to manage utility bills : 

Energy Saving Trust has a wealth of information on how to make your home more energy efficient and save money on your fuel bills. Visit their website or call their advice line on 0300 1231234

Uswitch gives independent advice on switching energy providers and finding the best tariff for you.

You may also find it helpful to look at our page on Winter fuel payments.

Kensington and Chelsea

The Healthy Homes Hotline helps people who are having difficulty keeping their homes warm or keeping up with their energy bills.
Tel 0808 202 6204

The Homes4Health service supports residents of Kensington and Chelsea who live in homes where there are problems with cold, poor insulation or damp, dangerous electrical installations, broken steps or banisters, or other issues which could pose a risk to the health of residents.
They can offer information and advice, refer you to other services and in some cases may be able to access grants to help you to improve the condition of your home.

Westminster

Westminster Council offers practical support and advice on how to keep your home warm

Age UK Westminster Information & Advice teams provide support to help residents maximise income where possible, with locations near you (leaflet) within the community.

Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS), repairs and maintenance contractor for Westminster City Council is delivering a programme of support and advice sessions to WCC residents on energy awareness.
Find out more about the energy advice sessions and how you can get in contact.

Last updated: 25/08/2022
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