Don’t Be Afraid Of Your Energy Bills

Don't Be Afraid Of Your Energy Bills

Many people are finding things tough at the moment due to current cost of living pressures, especially the cost of energy bills. We have launched a new ‘Don’t Be Afraid Of Your Energy Bills’ campaign to highlight the range of help that might be available to you.

You can get impartial and independent advice by visiting

News and advice from Energy Manage

If you are struggling to pay your energy bills, then you should first contact your energy supplier as they have a range of possible options which may be able to help you. More information on the type of help offered by energy suppliers is available here – Getting help if you can’t afford your energy bills

Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation and trusted voice on energy efficiency solutions. Visit their website for tips on ways to save energy in your home.

Centre for Sustainable Energy are an independent national charity that shares knowledge and experience to help people change the way they think and act on energy.

National Energy Action are the national fuel poverty charity, working to ensure that everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is warm and safe at home.

Ofgem – www.ofgem.gov.uk

Do you live in Surrey? Then this advice tool can help if you are looking to manage your energy bills – www.surreyenergyadvice.org.uk

Gas Leaks & Power Cuts

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak call the National Gas Emergency Service 24 hours a day on 0800 111 999.

There is also help for people with hearing and speech difficulties communicate with anyone over the phone, using the national relay service. For more information please visit Relay UK

If you have a power cut call the national power cut line on 105.

The Priority Service Register (PSR)

This is a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas, or water supply.

For more information you can visit www.thepsr.co.uk or you can contact your energy and water supplier directly to see if you qualify for the service.

Cheaper Water Tariffs (also known as social tariffs)

Your water company can help you if you are worried about paying your water bills. Contact them as soon as possible to see what help they can offer.

You can also contact the Consumer Council for Water for advice about your water bills and about saving money and water – www.ccw.org.uk

Cheaper Broadband Tariffs (also known as social tariffs)

These social tariffs offer cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband.

Save money on your broadband – Cheaper Broadband

Your Local Authority

Your local authority may be able to support with you directly or point you towards local services in your area who can help you.

If you are not sure who your local authority is you can type in your postcode to find out at https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice Consumer Advice Line: 0808 223 1133. You can call the Citizens Advice consumer line for help and support with debt, income maximisation or about your energy bills or visit their website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Benefits Advice

You can complete an online benefit check yourself using a trusted independent benefits calculator. Benefit calculators can help you work out:

what benefits you might be entitled to; and
how to claim

Independent calculators are available through the following organisations:

Turn2us
Entitledto
Age UK

Help with Debts

If you are struggling with debt, it can be difficult to know where to get help that you can trust.

The following organisations all offer free and impartial debt advice and budgeting support.

Step Change

Pay Plan

National Debtline

CAP

Help with Food

To find your nearest food bank here: https://www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/i-have-a-food-voucher

You will usually need to obtain a food voucher from a local agency or alternatively contact the free helpline on 0808 208 2138 to speak with a trained Citizens Advice adviser.

General Support

More generally the following websites can offer help with money, budgeting and debt.

Help for Households – Get government cost of living support

www.moneyhelper.org.uk

National Energy Action (NEA)

If you or someone you know can’t afford to heat their home, then NEA can help through their Warm & Safe Homes Service. They offer a range of support both directly to people in fuel poverty, and via frontline workers and other intermediaries.

Find out more