WINTER is fast approaching, and the change in seasons can drum up fears over energy costs – but there’s help available.
Ofgem’s energy price cap means that bills will rise by £35.14 per year for households using a typical amount of energy come October 1.
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This is up from its current rate of £1,720, which came into effect in July.
Our energy bills tend to be higher over the winter months, as households increase their use of electricity to stay warm as the temperatures drop.
But if you are worried about rising costs check out these freebies that could save you up to £19,325.
Household Support Fund – £500
If you are struggling with energy bills then you can seek support through the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).
Each council has a share of £742million which they can dole out to eligible homes across the UK.
The support can come in the form of money for white goods, supermarket vouchers and cash to help with energy costs.
The amount you can receive varies from council to council, but in the past households have gotten up to £500 for electricity costs.
Eligibility also differs, but typically those claiming benefits or on a low income will qualify for the support.
It is worth keeping an eye on your local council’s website or social media channels to learn more about how to apply.
Warm Home Discount – £150
This scheme offers struggling households £150 off their electricity bill.
If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you.
To qualify, you need to be on the guaranteed element of Pension Credit or be on a low income and have high energy costs.
Households who are eligible for the scheme get the discount applied automatically.
Cold Weather Payments – £25+
This benefit is given to households when the weather drops to freezing temperatures.
To get your hands on the support you must be claiming certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Support for Mortgage Interest.
Temperatures must hit zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days for the sum to be paid out.
You do not need to apply for the scheme as the money will be paid into anyone who qualifies account within 14 days.
If you meet the requirements, you will receive £25 for each seven day period of incredibly cold weather.
Free boiler worth £7,500
Through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, households can get grants of up to £7,500 to install heat pumps in their homes.
A heat pump could reduce your energy bill by between £100 and £350 a year as well being better for the environment.
You can apply for one of the grants by first contacting a MCS certified installer to get a quote.
You can find a list of MCS-certified installers by going on the msccertified.com website.
Energy grants worth £1,000s
Many energy suppliers offer grants to their customers who are struggling.
For example, British Gas gives households the opportunity to have their payments matched by the supplier for a period of six months.
For more information search British Gas You Pay: We Pay.
Elsewhere, EDF offers customers help through its customer support fund.
It can help cover the cost of white goods or clear debts.
You can apply to the scheme at www.edfenergy.com/help-support/faq/get-help-our-customer-support-fund.
Octopus Energy, Scottish Power, Utilita and Utility Warehouse all offer similar scheme.
It is always worth getting in touch with your supplier directly to see what help they can offer.
Free solar panels and heat pump insulation – £10,500
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme is a government energy efficiency program to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty in the UK.
It can see energy suppliers carry out free work on your home including the insulation of solar panels or heat pumps.
As part of this, Octopus Energy is offering to install solar panels and heat pumps in up to 1,000 homes entirely for free.
it usually costs about £4,400 to get a heat pump installed and around £6,100 to get a solar panel attached to your home.
If you qualified for both these freebies you would save £10,500.
4 ways to keep your energy bills low
Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips.
1. Turn your heating down by one degree
You probably won’t even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70.
2. Switch appliances and lights off
It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills
3. Install a smart meter
Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used.
4. Consider switching energy supplier
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you’ve let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven’t browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.
