Do you find it difficult to keep your home warm, particularly in the colder months?
- Are you aware of the schemes that exist to keep your home from losing the heat you use?
- Did you know you can check if you’re entitled to any support towards making your home more energy efficient?
Call this number for help and advice on heating and insulation measures - Energy advice service 0300 1231234
Do you find it difficult to pay for your heating costs, particularly in the colder months?
Switching suppliers – you may be able to save money by switching your supplier if you haven’t switched recently. Use a reputable comparison service.
Warm home discount scheme – speak to your supplier to see if they provide this service and if you’re eligible for £140 towards electricity.
Local council – they can provide free support and advice on how you can cut costs depending on your circumstances.
Are you aware of the schemes that exist to keep your home from losing the heat you use?
It is useful to check if someone is already accessing or aware of any support schemes prior to signposting as there may be certain eligibility criteria for specific schemes. You can then use the search function to advise about local opportunities they may be able to access.
Did you know that your local council may be able to provide support and advice on how you can cut the cost of heating your home depending on your circumstances?
Are you aware of the Priority Services Register?
You are eligible if you:
- have reached your state pension age
- are disabled or have a long-term medical condition
- are recovering from an injury
- have a hearing or sight condition
- have a mental health condition
- are pregnant or have young children
- have extra communication needs (such as if you don’t speak or read English well).
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.
Are you aware of where you can get a warm welcome in your local community?
Warm Welcome Spaces are opening their doors to local communities, offering everyone a free, warm, welcoming and friendly space. Why not explore your local Warm Welcome Space, it’s a great place to connect with your community and to make new friends.
Visit the bottom of the webpage to find a link to search local spaces available.
Other useful regional services:
Make savings on your energy bills
Switching suppliers – you may be able to save money by switching your supplier if you haven’t switched recently. Use a reputable comparison service.
Warm home discount scheme – speak to your supplier to see if they provide this service and if you’re eligible for £140 towards electricity.
Local council – they can provide free support and advice on how you can cut costs depending on your circumstances.
Visit OFGEM price comparison service to find a reputable comparison site- follow link below:
Pension Credit
Use this collection of materials to help older people understand how they could get Pension Credit. This toolkit is for anyone who works with pensioners. Use it to help older people understand how they may get extra money every week by:
- increasing understanding in your organisation
- helping your customers find out if they could get Pension Credit
- The toolkit contains:
- guidance to help you understand Pension Credit
- information to help you support someone applying for Pension Credit
- common reasons why pensioners don’t claim
- ideas for events and dealing with the media
- useful contacts
The Pension Credit toolkit can be accessed here
Difficulties paying energy or debts
- Try contacting your supplier initially or get advice from the national debtline on: 0808 808 4000
- You can also try the StepChange Debt Charity on: 0800 138 1111
- Call the Energy Advice Line for help and advice on heating and insulation measure: 0300 1231234
Appliances
Switch off appliances (at the plug) that are not in use and save approximately £30 a year.
Lighting
Energy saving light bulbs will last up to ten times longer than an ordinary standard light bulb. You could save approximately £45 a year by switching to energy saving light bulbs.
Cooking
Use lids on saucepans. Food will not only cook quicker but will save money on your cooking fuel.
Only boil the amount of water that you need when making a cup of tea.
Washing
When using your washing machine, always wash with a full load or if available use a half load programme for smaller loads.
Wash your clothes at 30°C.
Hang out your clothes to dry in warm weather.
Heating and Hot Water
Turn your thermostat down by 1°C you could save between £80 and £85.
Fit a hot water tank jacket to your hot water cylinder. This will keep your water hotter for longer.
Installing a new A rated condensing boiler you could save approximately £340 a year.
Set your timer to heat your property only when you need it.
Reducing showering time to 4 minutes could save a family of four up to £80 a year.
Smell gas?
If you think you can smell gas call the National Gas Emergency Service. Call 0800 111 999
OFGEM Price Comparison Service
To compare how much different energy suppliers charge use the OFGEM 'Confidence Code Accreditation' comparison service.
Energy Saving Trust
Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation – working to address the climate emergency.
- A respected and trusted voice on energy efficiency and clean energy solutions, we continue to work towards a smart, decarbonised, decentralised energy system.
- We empower millions of householders every year to make better energy choices.
- We deliver transformative energy programmes working with governments.
- We support businesses with energy efficiency strategies, research, assurance and communications, enabling them to play their part in building a sustainable future.
Energy Saving Trust – be part of a positive change.
Citizen Advice Guide
Try the Citizen's Advice Guide to learn how to compare energy tarrifs.
NHS Winter Health
Take a look at the Keep Warm, Keep Well page at NHS for tips of staying warm when it gets cold.
Get extra help with the Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register is a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations. Energy suppliers and network operators offer it. Each keeps their own register. You need to contact your energy supplier or network operator to get on it.
Visit the website to check if you are eligible.
Energy Networks
Energy Networks Association represents the companies which operate the electricity wires, gas pipes and energy system in the UK and Ireland.
National Energy Action
National Energy Action is the national charity working to end fuel poverty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Find out more about the challenge we face, the difference we make, and the difference you can make.
Northern Gas Networks
We deliver gas to 2.7 million homes and businesses in the North East, Northern Cumbria and much of Yorkshire.
We don’t generate the gas but transport it through a vast network of underground pipes.
Warm Welcome
Warm Welcome Spaces are opening their doors to local communities, offering everyone a free, warm, welcoming and friendly space. Why not explore your local Warm Welcome Space, it’s a great place to connect with your community and to make new friends.