Managing the cost of energyThere’s a lot of information out there about the support that’s available to help manage increased energy bills. We’ve pulled together some simple ways you can get extra support if you need it.
Here are some practical steps that you can take to help managed the increased cost of energy
Ofgem is the energy regulator for Great Britain and they’re responsible for protecting energy consumers and making sure everyone is treated fairly. Under their rules, your energy supplier must work with you to setup a payment plan you can afford and offer you the following:
Your supplier will also have a Priority Services Register that you can access if you are at risk of not being able to afford your energy bills. The Priority Services Register is a free support service operated by energy suppliers. It offers a range of services to help people in specific situations, such as:
You might still be able to register for other reasons if your situation isn't listed. For example, if you need short-term support after a stay in hospital. Click here to find out more.
Extra help for those on prepayment metersIf you're finding it a challenge to keep your prepayment meter topped up, there's extra help available. Your supplier can offer emergency credit if you're not able to get credit and are concerned about getting cut off. They might also have a backup plan, like 'friendly' credit, so you won't lose power when the stores are closed. Finally, you may be able to get additional support credit. What you can get and how it all works depends on your individual energy supplier, so it's best to talk to them as soon as you can.
Read more about prepayment meters here
Households receiving certain means-tested benefits will receive a ‘Cost of Living Payment’ of £900 in 2023/24. It's split into three payments: in May 2023, November 2023, and spring 2024. To qualify, you need to be getting one of these benefits:
These payments won't be taxed, won't affect your current benefits, and won't count towards any benefit cap. If you missed the first payment but think you should've got it, the Government has a webpage to help out.
If you're on certain benefits, you may be able to pay directly from your benefit payments instead, under a Government scheme called Fuel Direct (also known as 'third party deductions'). The scheme lets you arrange to have a small, fixed amount deducted directly from your benefit payments each week to go towards paying off energy debt.
To use the scheme, you need to contact your Jobcentre (or Pension Centre if you are claiming Pension Credit) and give them the details of your supplier and what you owe. Your Jobcentre or Pension Centre will then get in contact with your provider.
If you're a pensioner in the UK, the Winter Fuel Payment scheme can give you extra help with your energy costs. Normally, it's between £100 and £300 and it's automatically issued to eligible pensioners or pensioner households. However, this Winter, the Government's paying out an extra £300 to those who qualify. For example, if you usually get £100, you'll get £400 this year.
Most pensioners will get this extra help without doing anything. If you haven't received the payment before though, you may need to claim it. You can find out more here.
The Household Support Fund gives councils access to a pool of £842 million to use to help those who can’t afford energy bills, housing, and food costs. If you think you might need this help, contacting your council is a good idea. The funds are limited and only valid until March 2024, so it's better to reach out soon as possible as funding can run out at any time. Find out who your local council is here.
There’s also a range of support available from energy suppliers and other groups, including some of the main energy schemes that you can tap into for help.
Click each link to find out more:
Better Days helps thousands of people every year. Whether it’s managing your money, trying something new, finding happiness with work or improving your digital skills and your overall wellbeing, our expert team and independent partners can offer free information, advice and guidance. Our skilled team know life can throw up the unexpected and are here to help. If you can’t find help you need, we can put you in touch with the right people at the right time.
We're ready when you are. Get in touch with us here.
National Energy Action (NEA) is a national fuel poverty charity that offers a free support service known as WASH (Warm and Safe Homes). They provide free advice on energy billing, how to maximise your income, fuel debt, energy efficiency and trust fund applications to households in England. You can find out more here.
If you're in England, you can fill in an online form and they'll respond by email. They can help with most energy issues and can also refer you to its extra help unit, which provides support to people who need extra support resolving issues with their energy suppliers.
Age UK supports older people when they need them the most. They provide cost of living support and urge you to contact them before turning your heating off or down. They can also help you any claim benefits you may be eligible for. Find out more here.
Scope is disability equality charity that offers free advice to disabled people in England on a range of issues. This includes managing debt, energy efficiency, accessing benefits, grants and trusts, access to fuel vouchers, understanding bills and support with registering for Ofgem’s Priority Services Register.
Visit their website for more information.
It's important that you're aware of your rights, especially around issues such as having your energy supply cut off and being able to get a breather from your debts.
You can find more information about your rights on the topics below:
Energy saving adviceThere are small changes that you can make that can have a huge impact on how much energy you use. Find out more below:
Room heaters are used to heat a small space and are normally portable or fitted to a wall. This handy guide explores what type of heater is best to heat a room, depending on your requirements.
Storage heaters work by charging up overnight when electricity can be cheaper. Inside the storage heater, there are special ceramic bricks that heat up during the low-cost, night-time hours. They then release heat during the day as and when needed, then recharge overnight. Modern, digital models deliver control and convenience, helping to heat your home in a way that fits your lifestyle so you can avoid wasting heat or energy.
Have a look at this guide for more information
If you have a Dimplex Quantum storage heater, here’s a guide to help you make sure you’re using it efficiently.
Is your gas or electricity bill a lot higher than you’re expecting? This guide can help you work out why.
This guide will help you find out what uses the most energy in your home, and how you can cut it down.
There are plenty of ways you can save on how much water you use. Learn more here.
Economy 7 is an electricity tariff that means you pay a different price for your electricity at different times of day. Depending on the times of day you use electricity the most, an Economy 7 tariff could help you save money. Find out more here.
Smart meters are modern gas and electricity meters designed to give you more information about your energy use and make topping up more convenient. Learn more here.
A look at the pros and cons of having a prepayment meter for your gas or electricity, including costs, convenience, standing charge and other issues. This guide can help you decide what’s best for you.
Damp can cause mould on walls and furniture and cause wooden window frames to rot. It can also be a danger to your health. Find out more here.
Solar electricity panels, capture the sun’s energy and convert it into renewable electricity that you can use in your home. There are many benefits to solar panels. Read our ‘Maximising the benefits of solar panels’ guide for a quick overview of the technology and some of the frequently asked questions about how it works.
The Centre for Sustainable Energy
The Centre for Sustainable Energy has plenty of additional guides you can read to learn more about how to best maximise energy efficiency in your home. Just visit their website.
Don’t forget, we’re here to support you too. Just get in touch via our contact form or visit our Better Days help and support pages.
