We’ve partnered with the Big Energy Saving Winter campaign to help make sure no one is paying too much for their heating this winter. Over the next three months, we’ll be sharing some useful information on how to make savings on your energy bills.
This month’s theme is all about checking to ensure you have the best deal possible for your heating and energy bill. Perhaps you’ve been with the same energy provider for a few years or maybe there’s a grant that can reduce your heating bill? We’ve listed some resources below to help you get started on making savings this winter.
Check and compare your energy tariff
Last year’s Big Energy Saving Winter campaign saw thousands of people save over £1 million on their energy bills. You can save £100s simply by switching your energy provider. To check how much savings you could make, you just need the name of your supplier and tariff. Try to find your annual energy consumption in kilowatt hours (kwh) as this will give you a more accurate quote.
For more information and to check to see if you’re getting the best deal on your energy bill, visit https://energycompare.citizensadvice.org.uk/.
Check the grants and benefits available to you
If you’re finding it difficult to pay your energy bills, you might be able to find a grant or benefit provided by the government or energy supplier to help you.
Winter Fuel Payment
This is an annual one-off payment to help pay for your heating. You will usually receive this automatically if you were born on or before 5 October 1954 and lived in the UK during the qualifying week and have a state pension or other social security benefit (excluding Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit).
To find out more about eligibility or to claim this benefit visit: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Cold Weather Payments
This is a one-off payment to help pay for extra heating when it’s very cold (zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days). To be eligible, you must already get pension credit, income support, income-based jobseekers Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit.
Find out more about this scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment
Warm Home Discount Scheme
Under this scheme, you might be able to get £140 off your electricity bill if you’re either getting the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit or are on a low income. However, not all suppliers are part of this scheme, so you will need to check with your supplier first. You will also need to apply for the Warm Home Discount again if you’ve switched providers before you received the payment.
Find out more about this scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Lastly, you might find that upgrading an outdated heating or hot water system can help reduce your energy bills this winter. Book your free home survey by calling us free on 0800 270 7736 or submitting the contact form on this page. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and Twitter account for more tips on reducing your energy bills this winter.