Take the combi boiler challenge – reduce your flow temperature to save £100+. If you have a combi boiler (the most common type), one way to save is to reduce the flow temperature – basically the water that circulates around the system and heats your radiators. It’s usually set higher than needed by default.
Ovo is offering energy hardship grants – now nine big firms give cash and more if you’re in debt. If you’re struggling with your energy bills and have fallen into debt, most big firms offer non-repayable grants to help. Ovo is the latest to open its scheme – it’s accepting applications from its customers, as well as those from SSE and Boost (which it owns). What you get depends on your individual circumstances, but includes access to hardship grants, and free or discounted products and services, including smart thermostats, electric throws and boiler servicing. Speak to your supplier
Talk to your supplier as early as possible – it has to help if you’re Struggling – If you’re falling behind with your energy bills, and finding yourself struggling to pay, the best thing to do is contact your supplier as soon as possible. Under rules from regulator Ofgem, your supplier has to help you – usually by negotiating a payment plan that you can afford This applies to direct debit and pre payment meters In general, additional support credit is usually for those in vulnerable situations (such as those of state pension age, or with a disability or long-term medical condition). It’s also up to the supplier to assess how much additional credit you’ll get and to work with you to come up with a repayment plan, based on your ability to pay.
But even if you’re not in a vulnerable situation, your supplier could still help if you’re unable to top up. It may still be able to offer support credit, or can review any debts you may be paying off through your meter, or give you access to hardship funds. It’s all done on a case-by-case bases, so do get in touch with your supplier as soon as possible. energy suppliers offer help via hardship funds
- Big energy firms have charitable trusts and funds that can help if you’re in debt and struggling to repay. With these providers you’ll usually need to be a customer of the firm to apply, but British Gas offers help to non-customers as well. The application process for this help is fairly rigorous (see charities that can helpwith the process). You usually need to have spoken to a debt adviser before applying, complete a full income and expenditure budget sheet, provide proof of your income, give details on how your arrears have built up, and say how the grant will help you. Exact eligibility requirements vary – some say you need to be in receipt of certain benefits for example – but those with the greatest need are prioritised on a case-by-case basis. It can take several weeks to process your claim and funds are limited, so act now.
Contact information for those that can help:
www.fuelbankfoundation.org- Fuel Bank Foundation is the only UK charity to focus on the challenges of people living in fuel crisis. We give emergency financial support to households identified as being in fuel crisis. This gives them vital breathing space to help them get back on their feet. There is lots of useful information on the website and a contact us form if help is needed. You will require access to the internet and an email address, if you do not have this please reach out to your housing officer to support you with this.
- National Energy Action (NEA). The NEA is a national fuel poverty and energy efficiency charity that offers a free support service known as WASH (Warm and Safe Homes). It provides energy advice to households in England and Wales. You can contact it on 0800 304 7159, or fill in an online form (https://www.nea.org.uk/get-help/wash-advice/wash-referral/)
- Citizens Advice.If you’re in England or Wales, you can speak to a trained adviser on 0808 223 1133 or fill in online form at (https://ssl.datamotion.com/form.aspx?co=3438&frm=energy&to=flareenergy.fromforms) and they’ll respond by email.
It says it can help with most energy problems - StepChange.A debt charity that provides free debt advice to people in England, Scotland and Wales. You can contact it on 0800 138 1111 or go online to https://www.stepchange.org/setting-expectations.aspx
It can work with you to develop a personalised plan to make repayments, set up and manage a debt management plan for you, or even help with ways to write off debts if you’re unable to pay. - MoneyHelper. Sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, it provides free, impartial and confidential money guidance to anyone in the UK. You can contact iton 0800 138 7777,
As well as personalised advice and guidance on money issues, including energy bills and how to prioritise debt, it can help you find a free and confidential debt adviser in your area.
National Debt Line. A debt charity that gives free independent advice to people in England, Scotland and Wales. You can talk to them by calling 0808 808 4000.