The Help Available if You’re Struggling to Pay Your Energy Bills
During times of high living costs and sudden energy bill changes, like in the global energy crisis of 2021-2023. While worries about energy costs and a volatile market seem to have subsided in 2024, it still remains in the back of our minds that the market can quickly change. And with the additional rising cost of living and a general election on the horizon, it is important to be aware of what help is available to you if you are currently struggling to pay your energy bills or are already worrying about the winter season.
In this blog we detail some of the current support on offer to households but also explain how changes and improvements to your property could make a big difference to your energy usage and thus reduce your energy bills. Making comfortable living in your home more affordable.
Help from your energy supplier
One of the first things you can do to get help when struggling with your energy bills is to speak to your energy supplier. According to Ofgem’s rules, all energy suppliers must be able to support their customers in difficult financial situations. From offering payment plans to providing advice on how to use less energy. They are your first port of call when it comes to managing your household bills. And while it may feel like they are not on your side, they have a duty to provide you with the support you need.
Government support for households
The government currently offers a range of support services for those who are struggling to pay their energy bills, in particular during the winter months.
For example, the Cold Weather Payments are offered to those in receipt of certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. This is aimed at particular areas in the country where temperatures are expected to reach levels as low as zero degrees or below for longer than a 7 day consecutive period. Currently the Cold Weather Payment scheme will become available again to those eligible between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025.
Meanwhile, The Warm Home Discount Scheme will reopen once more in October 2024 for eligible households. If you are eligible you will receive a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill.
Such schemes however are temporary resolutions for households that require long-term support. Making bigger changes and upgrades to your property, could help save the issue of high energy bills
Energy grants for low-income households
The ECO4 Grant is a scheme set up by the government to offer low-income households the funding they need to make home upgrades to not only improve the energy efficiency of their home but also help lower household energy bills. By installing upgrades such as new insulation, a new boiler, first time central heating or solar panels, a household will benefit from lower energy consumption, lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment in the coldest months of the year.
You can find out if you are eligible for the ECO4 funding with our useful online application tool.
What about renters?
According to the English Housing Survey by the UK government, just over 4.4 million households live in the private rented sector. And with this figure growing every year, it is important not to miss out on such a large chunk of the population. For those who privately rent, it may seem even more complicated to do anything about energy bills and the cost to heat your home. While some are fortunate enough to live in new buildings, and energy efficient properties, a large percentage of the private rented sector is made up of old housing stock. Posing issues for residents who have a hard turn avoid draughts, mould, and poor insulation.
So, what can you do as a tenant to keep your energy usage down and bills at an affordable rate?
ECO4 Funding for landlords
The ECO4 funding is not just for homeowners or social tenants, it is also available for landlords and private tenants. Tenants living in privately rented accommodation can apply for the scheme in place of their landlord, or alternatively, the landlord can apply. As long as criteria is met, funding can be made available to make property upgrades in order to improve the energy efficiency of the property and make managing energy bills more affordable and easier for those living in the property.
Not only is this beneficial for the tenants but the landlord too, as the property value will benefit from these upgrades and the EPC rating will improve. To find out more about ECO4 and how we can help you at Eco Providers, do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.