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Fuel
There are lots of ways that you can reduce your fuel bills, but first you need to understand how much you are spending by:
- working out how much you spend on fuel by checking previous receipts and bills.
- reading your meter regularly and check that the bill is correct. If the bill has been estimated, ring your supplier with your own meter reading so you only pay for what you have used.
What if I cannot pay?
Do not ignore the problem. Contact your supplier and tell them you are having problems. Ask them about:
- Paying the arrears by instalments. Make sure you only offer what you can afford to pay. Get advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
- Fuel Direct. If you are on certain benefits, money can be deducted and paid directly to your supplier. An amount will be deducted for the fuel you currently use plus an amount to pay off what you owe.
- Trust funds. Most suppliers offer grants to people having difficulties paying their fuel and other household bills.
Do not ignore bills or you may be disconnected.
Get the most from your current supplier
Ensure you are getting the most from your fuel supplier. Ask if they offer discounts for:
- Paying by direct debit
- Prompt payment
- Getting both gas and electricity from them – dual fuel.
- People in receipt of benefits or who are long term sick, disabled or aged 60 and over – social tariffs.
- Switching from paper bills to online billing.
If you are disabled, long term ill or over pension age ask your supplier about the Priority Service Register. They can arrange getting help with meter readings, free annual gas safety checks and prevent you from being disconnected during the winter.
Getting the best deal
Shop around and see if it is cheaper to get your gas and electricity from a different supplier. Consumer Direct can help you to compare fuel suppliers to work out what would be best for you. You may not be able to change supplier if you are in a fixed term contract or you owe money. Check these terms carefully before signing up to a new supplier.
Click here to visit the National Housing Federation website to search for a better deal.
Click here to visit the National Housing Federation website to search for a better deal.
Saving Energy
There are many things you can do that will make a big difference to your fuel bills:
- Use energy saving light bulbs,
- Turn your heating thermostat down by one degree,
- Don’t leave appliances on standby and unplug chargers when not in use
- Switch lights off when you leave a room
Check your benefit eligibility
Make sure you are getting all the benefits and tax credits you are entitled to.
Most people aged 60 or over will automatically get a Winter Fuel Payment to help with winter heating costs. This will be paid in the same way your pension or benefits are paid. If you are not sure if you should get a payment, phone the winter fuel payments helpline.
Some people on benefit can get a Cold Weather Payment if the temperature drops below a minimum for a set number of days. It will be paid automatically, so you need not apply.
Useful Contacts
Community Legal Advice 0845 345 4345
Consumer Direct 0845 404 0506
Consumer Focus 0207 799 7900
Directgov's keep warm, keep well campaign
Energy Saving Trust 0800 512 012
Home Heat Helpline 0800 336 699
Warm Front in England 0800 316 2805
Winter Fuel Payments 08459 15 15 15
Community Legal Advice 0845 345 4345
Consumer Direct 0845 404 0506
Consumer Focus 0207 799 7900
Directgov's keep warm, keep well campaign
Energy Saving Trust 0800 512 012
Home Heat Helpline 0800 336 699
Warm Front in England 0800 316 2805
Winter Fuel Payments 08459 15 15 15
