National Energy Action, the UK’s leading fuel poverty charity, has some tips to help you manage your energy bills and keep your home warm and safe in what is a particularly difficult time.
Contact your energy supplier
When you’re having any issues paying your energy bills or you’re worried about falling into debt, the first step is always to get in touch with your energy supplier. If they know there’s a problem, they are required to work with you to find a solution. For example, they can help you to set up an affordable repayment plan and take any payment in a format which is suitable to you.
Contact your energy supplier to see if you qualify for the Energy Company Obligation, which is an obligation placed on the largest energy suppliers to support households in installing
energy improvements. There could also be local schemes operating in your area – ask your local council or Citizens Advice.
Maximise your income
If you’ve been finding it difficult to afford your energy bills, it’s essential that you can access all the financial support you’re entitled to. Make sure you are claiming the correct benefits – this could increase your income as well as make you eligible for other types of assistance. Take advice from your local Citizens Advice or call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 (Textphone users call 18001 0808 223 1133) (call charges may apply) or visit
Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register is a system that suppliers use to make sure the correct support is given to their most vulnerable customers. You can sign up to it to receive extra help from your energy supplier as well as from the company that operates the local energy distribution network. Details of your distribution network operator can be found on your electricity bill.
You’re eligible to receive the services available if you’re a pensioner, are disabled or suffer from a long-term medical condition. You also qualify if you have a hearing or visual impairment or additional communication needs.
Each energy supplier and network operator maintains its own register and a wide range of support is available including:
- Information provided in accessible formats
- Advance notice of planned power cuts
- Identification scheme
- Password protection and nominee scheme for a family member or carer on behalf of the customer
- Priority support in an emergency
- Arrangements to ensure that it is safe and practical for the customer to use a prepayment meter
- Meter reading services.
Contact your gas/electricity supplier and distribution network operator for more information and to register.
Keeping warm and safe
Blocking draughts can be a cheap and simple way of keeping the heat in. Draught-proofing products are available at DIY stores. Close curtains at dusk to keep the heat in and use thermal underlay on any carpets. Loft and cavity-wall insulation can also make a big difference to bills and comfort, as can replacing an old, inefficient boiler. You may be eligible for free or discounted insulation or boiler replacements.
If you rent your home, then by law, landlords must ensure it is safe and habitable.
Also remember to:
- Keep bedroom windows closed at night
- Wrap up well with thin layers rather than one thick layer when going outside
- Keep the living room at 21C (70F)
- Keep bedrooms at 18C (65F)
- Reduce condensation forming on outside walls by keeping temperatures in all rooms above 15C in colder weather.