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Blog Post 2 November 2020

Check, switch and save with Big Energy Saving Winter

The winter months can be tough when it comes to energy bills, with people across the UK having to make difficult choices about whether they can afford to heat their homes.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is having a greater impact on energy usage than ever, as many of us continue to work from home – boiling the kettle more often, keeping the lights switched on and turning up the thermostat on colder days.

Keep it simple

Today marks the launch of Big Energy Saving Winter, a UK-wide campaign to help you cut your energy bills and access any financial support you may be eligible for.

Simple changes such as switching your energy supplier or tariff, checking whether you’re eligible for discounts or grants, or making your home more energy efficient can all make a big difference.

The campaign is usually run during a single week in January – but this year it’s a bit different. Big Energy Saving Winter will run for three months from 2 November 2020, focusing on three key themes – one for each of the winter months.

Due to the impact of Covid-19 and ongoing social distancing restrictions, the campaign will run online – you can check out the Big Energy Saving Winter website, or visit our own campaign page to find out more about how to check, switch and save this winter.

Support for energy saving improvements

Around 40% of us worry about how to heat our homes during the winter months without breaking the bank. If you need help to get your home ready for winter this year, you may be able to apply for a voucher that will fund up to two-thirds of the cost of energy saving home improvements.

Under the UK Government’s new £2 billion Green Homes Grant scheme, homeowners and landlords in England can apply for vouchers to improve the energy efficiency of your home, including insulation, low carbon heating and energy efficient doors and windows.

Visit our Green Homes Grant advice page to see the full list of measures covered by the scheme, as well as information on eligibility and how to apply.

But I don’t live in England…

While the Green Homes Grant is only available in England, there is also financial support available if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

In Scotland, check with Home Energy Scotland – their advisors offer free advice on energy saving measures, renewable energy and more.

If you live in Wales and are struggling to cope with energy bills, the Welsh Government’s Nest scheme offers free advice and, if you’re eligible, free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler or insulation.

And in Northern Ireland, we recommend contacting NI Energy Advice to find out more about energy efficiency grants.

Big Energy Saving Winter is delivered by Citizens Advice, Energy Saving Trust and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Helpful resources

Last updated: 30 October 2020