Energy schemes

Key information

Who is this section for?

Anyone responsible for energy bills (most commonly gas and electricity).

What is in this section?

This section contains information about the various schemes and grants which may be available to help towards the cost of energy bills or making your home more energy efficient. You will also find practical information on how to cope with rising energy bills.

Index

You can read through this information sheet, or jump directly to the sections you want to read by clicking on these links:

Grants and schemes that help cover the cost of energy bills

There are a number of schemes that may be available to help you if you are struggling with energy bills and are on a low income.

Winter Fuel Payments – This is a payment made to people over 60 to help with fuel costs.
Cold Weather Payments – If you are on a low income you may be eligible for these if the weather in your area falls to 0° centigrade or below for seven days in a row.
The Energy Saving Trust (link opens in a new window) has information on grants for energy efficiency and other useful resources
SSE Winter Care Rebate
SSE energyplus Care tariff

Help towards energy debts

Some energy companies have set up charitable trusts to help their customers clear energy debts and sometimes other household bills.

If you are on a low income, you may be able to get help from a charitable fund, depending on your personal circumstances, background and needs. You can use our Grants Search database to look for any that may be able to help you.

Free or subsidised energy efficiency measures

See our information sheet on Energy Efficiency Grants
npower Health Through Warmth scheme (link opens in a new window) Set up in partnership with the National Health Service and the charity National Energy Action. It operates through locally based partnerships that aim to help vulnerable people whose health is adversely affected by cold and damp living conditions - by helping with the installation of appropriate energy efficiency and heating measures and related advice/information.
Eon (link opens in a new window)
SSE (Scottish & Southern Energy Plc) Subsidised Grants
You may be able to find out more about local energy efficiency schemes from your local council on the Gov.UK website (link opens in a new window).

Warm Home Discount

Your electricity supplier may offer a scheme called the Warm Home Discount. If your electricity supplier belongs to this scheme and you're getting the guarantee part of Pension Credit, you will get an annual discount of £130 on your electricity bill.

The Department for Work and Pensions will try to make sure you get this discount automatically, but you may be missed out and will have to ask for the discount from your electricity supplier.

If you don't get the guarantee part of Pension Credit but are getting other benefits, you may also get the discount, but it will be up to your supplier to decide if you qualify.

See the Gov.UK website information on the Warm Home Discount (link opens in a new window)

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This information has been produced by Citizens Advice.

Last updated: 6 September 2012