Are You Struggling With Your Energy Bills?
Are you struggling with your energy bills?
Below are actions you can take if you are struggling with your energy bills.
- Contact your energy supplier- If you are struggling to pay for your energy bills, contact your supplier as they have a list of Standard Licence Conditions (SLC) they must comply with. A fuel supplier must offer a range of services when they are aware, become aware, or have any reason to believe that a customer is having difficulties or will have difficulties paying all or any part of their gas or electricity charges (SLC 27.5 to 27.8 apply) this includes finding out about the customer’s ability to pay, offering a range of ways to repay the debt, and giving energy efficiency advice. The energy provider also must set repayment rates which are reasonable for the individual’s circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
- Maximise your income- Find out if you are entitled to any benefits if you are on a low income. Click here to check your benefit entitlement. Look for grants - A number of the energy suppliers offer a range of grants for their most vulnerable customers. You might be able to get a grant from a trust for example http://www.charisgrants.com/ or British Gas Energy Trust to help pay off your debts.You may also be eligible for the warm homes discount scheme click here to find out more.
- Insulate your home- 35% of heat is lost through the walls and 25% is lost through the roof, so wall and loft insulation will help to retain heat, therefore less energy is required to heat your home. There are Grants/Schemes available for these measures subject to meeting certain criteria. Click here for more information.
- Conserve your energy- Taking Short Showers rather than baths, turning appliances off rather than leaving them on standby, unplug chargers and switch lights off when not in use, and only heating the amount of water required are all small steps we can take to conserve energy and reduce our carbon footprint. Click here for more tips.
- Provide regular meter readings- Only pay for the electricity and gas that you use therefore provide regular meter reads or have a smart meter installed to do that job for you. Unsure how to read your meters? Click here for a step-by-step guide.
- Check your energy statement- Check to see if the bill is estimated, the meter reading is correct, the statement is in your name and your address, and if your payments are shown. Struggling to understand your energy Statement? Click here for a guide.
Useful Information
The Royal British Legion, the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces community, offer a grant scheme for veterans and their families who are struggling to pay their energy bills. The initiative will provide non-repayable emergency grants of up to £2,400 a year (£200 a month), and is available across the UK.
For more information about the scheme and how to apply please click the following link:
Cost of Living Grants (britishlegion.org.uk)
Help with Fuel Bills
Dover Deal and District Citizens Advice can help with your fuel bills and financial planning. They can top up your pre-payment card in their office in Dover and will work with you to maximise income. They will see if a grant is available for you to help with fuel, you will need to contact CAB for an appointment to give them time to work with you. CAB can look at your debts, outgoings and check that you are on all the cheapest tariffs as well as considering your application for a fuel grant. Please call 08001448848 or 01304 202442.
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Household Support Fund
Dover District Council has received Household Support funding from Kent County Council to support households who would otherwise struggle to buy food or pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.
For more information please click here Household Support Fund (dover.gov.uk)
Cost of Living Payment
You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you’re receiving certain benefits or tax credits. For more information regarding eligibility and payments please click here.
Fuel Poverty Strategy
Sustainable Warmth: Protecting vulnerable households in England
Delivering Affordable Warmth: A fuel poverty strategy for Kent