Energy bills are a concern for many people. Our consumer research regularly highlights that large numbers of UK residents are worried about their energy costs, and would like to do something about it.
Being more energy efficient at home is one way to reduce your bill payments. But often, you need to invest in home improvements before you can access the biggest savings. Financial help is available in a number of circumstances, with the focus very much on keeping warm for less.
Different grants are available in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Choose your nation to find out more about how to access support where you live.
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales and want to make energy improvements to your home or heating system, you may be eligible for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.
This is a GB-wide scheme that obliges energy companies to install energy efficiency measures in the homes of those who need them most.
If someone in your household receives a pension or is on benefits, then more support schemes are open to you.
If you were born on or before 5 August 1953 and you receive the State Pension or another social security benefit, you could be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. This offers between £100 and £300 to help with energy bills in those chilly months when they tend to peak.
To help with the very coldest periods, there’s the Cold Weather Payment. This is £25 to help with bills after seven days of sub-zero conditions. You qualify if you’re receiving certain benefits – details of this, and of the other grants and payments, can be found on the government’s Simple Energy Advice website.
Another option if you live in Great Britain (excludes Northern Ireland) is the Warm Home Discount, another winter-only payment of £140 towards energy bills for those who claim the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income. Your electricity supplier must be part of the scheme, but as this list shows, the vast majority of them are.
Don’t despair if you don’t qualify for assistance from these programmes. You can still reduce your energy bills by being more energy efficient. We’ve got information to help you.
This can help you make savings immediately. Try this calculator from Citizens Advice to see how much you could save. If you’re satisfied with your service but not the price, talk to your supplier to make sure you’re on the best tariff.
This can have considerable money saving implications. Installing a room thermostat, a programmer and thermostatic radiator valves (and using them efficiently) can save £150 a year for a gas-heated, three-bedroom semi.
The DIY approach can get good results for little outlay. We include ways to make your home warmer in our energy saving quick wins. In particular, consider tackling the draughts coming from doors, windows, floors and chimneys.
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