9 Relief Tips to Slash Your Winter Energy Bills Today
As winter approaches, the rising cost of energy is a concern for many households, especially for those on low incomes or struggling financially. Heating your home during the colder months can be expensive, but thankfully, there are several grants, freebies, and support schemes designed to ease the financial burden of keeping warm. In this post, we will find out how to slash your winter energy bills.
In addition to these programs, there are also some simple, practical tips you can use to cut your energy costs immediately. In this post, we will review the comprehensive list of resources available from Express.co.uk and provide practical advice to help you maintain a cosy home at an affordable price.
1. Free Electric Blankets, Throws, and Mattress Toppers
Electric blankets and throws are a fantastic way to stay warm while keeping your heating off or on low. Energy providers like Octopus Energy and Ovo Energy are offering free electric blankets and mattress toppers to help vulnerable households stay warm more affordably.
Octopus Energy: 20,000 free electric blankets are available for eligible customers.
Ovo Energy: As part of their £50m Extra Support Package, free electric throws, mattress toppers, and home efficiency kits are available to qualifying customers.
Actionable tip: If you don’t qualify for a free electric blanket, consider investing in one yourself. Electric blankets are much cheaper to run than central heating, costing just pennies per hour compared to much higher heating bills.
2. Free Boilers, Loft Insulation, and Heat Pumps
The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) scheme provides homeowners with energy-saving measures, such as new boilers, loft insulation, and heat pumps—all for free if you qualify. By improving your home’s energy efficiency, you’ll drastically reduce your energy bills in the long run.
Companies participating in this scheme include:
- British Gas
- E (Gas and Electricity) Ltd
- E.ON
- Ecotricity
- EDF
- Octopus Energy
- Outfox the Market
- OVO
- Scottish Power
- Shell Energy
- So Energy (including ESB Energy)
- The Utility Warehouse
- Utilita Energy
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1955853/winter-bill-relief-full-list-energy-saving-freebies-grants-you-can-apply-t
Actionable tip: If your home isn’t well insulated, make this a priority. Insulating your loft can save up to 25% of the heat loss in your home, meaning you’ll use less energy to stay warm.
3. Free Solar Panels
Solar panels can drastically reduce your energy costs, but they can be expensive to install. Luckily, low-income households may qualify for free solar panel installation through local council grants. With solar panels, you can generate your own electricity, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your bills.
Actionable tip: Even if you don’t qualify for free solar panels, consider looking into renewable energy options like solar panel leasing with companies, where you can rent panels without the upfront cost. You could still benefit from lower energy bills without a significant financial investment.
4. Free Showerheads and Water-Saving Devices
Many water companies offer free water-saving devices, such as regulated showerheads and aerators. These gadgets help reduce both your water consumption and the energy required to heat the water, resulting in lower bills.
- Check the Save Water Save Money website to see if free devices are available from your local water provider.
- Some water companies, like United Utilities, even offer other freebies like tap aerators, cistern bags for toilets, and garden water-saving tools.
Actionable tip: Installing a water-efficient showerhead can save a household £75 a year on water and heating bills. Check if your water company offers this for free or invest in one yourself.
5. Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund is a government initiative that provides financial assistance to low-income households. Local councils have control over how these funds are allocated, meaning support might vary depending on your area.
The fund can be used for energy vouchers, direct cash assistance, and even food aid. Consult your local council about the distribution of the Household Support Fund and submit an application if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Actionable tip: Contact your local council today to learn what support is available. Don’t wait until the cold sets in—apply early to get the help you need before bills start piling up.
6. Energy Company Grants
Many energy companies offer grants to help customers struggling with energy costs. For instance, British Gas offers grants of up to £2,000, while other companies like Ovo Energy, E.ON, and Scottish Power provide similar assistance.
Actionable tip: Always contact your energy provider directly if you’re struggling to pay your bill. Even if you don’t qualify for a grant, they may offer payment plans or other forms of assistance.
7. Cold Weather Payment
The Cold Weather Payment automatically activates for eligible individuals during periods of severe cold. If temperatures drop below 0°C for seven consecutive days, you’ll receive a £25 payment for each cold spell between November and March.
Actionable tip: Ensure that your benefits information is up to date so that you receive payments automatically. If you recently had a baby or a young child has moved into your home, make sure to notify your local Jobcentre Plus.
8. Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment provides eligible individuals with a one-off payment of £200 to £300 to help cover winter heating costs. If you were born before September 23, 1958, and receive certain benefits, you may qualify.
Actionable tip: If you think you’re eligible but haven’t received a payment notification, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. Don’t miss out on this vital support.
9. Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount offers a £150 reduction on electricity bills for eligible households. Most of the time, your bill automatically applies this discount, but low-income households in Scotland may need to apply.
Actionable tip: If you believe you qualify for the Warm Home Discount but don’t see it applied to your bill, contact your energy provider to verify your eligibility.
Extra Energy-Saving Tips for Winter
Beyond applying for these grants and freebies, here are some extra tips to help you save energy and reduce your bills:
- Lower your thermostat: Reducing your thermostat by just 1°C can cut heating bills by up to 10%.
- Use draft excluders: Block out drafts from windows and doors to prevent heat loss.
- Switch off standby appliances: Turn off devices instead of leaving them on standby to save energy.
- Layer up: Wearing warm clothing indoors is the simplest way to stay comfortable without turning up the heat.
- Use curtains wisely: Open curtains during the day to let in sunlight and close them at night to keep the warmth in.
By taking advantage of these grants, freebies, and practical tips, you can make a significant difference in your energy bills this winter. To keep your home warm without going over budget, stay informed, apply for the available help, and adopt simple habits.
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