Heating and insulation measures
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The government is providing grants to encourage property owners to install low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps, through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). These grants can help property owners overcome the upfront cost of low carbon heating technologies.
Check if you're eligible to for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme at GOV.UK. You can also read their leaflet for more information.
Sustainable Warmth scheme
The Government has issued funding to enable residents who meet the eligibility criteria to apply for assistance with sustainable energy measures to be installed in their property. The scheme is predominantly for home owners. The scheme is aimed at those residents who meet the eligibility criteria and are looking to upgrade their existing heating and insulation measures, please note fossil fuel heating systems are excluded from this funding. The funding is aimed at properties currently at EPC E, F or G. Private rented Landlords are able to apply but will have to make a minimum contribution of one third of the total cost of the works. To check eligibility or for further information please contact us on by calling 0808 196 8255 or visit the Energy Savings Trust website.
Priority services register
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service provided by suppliers and network operators (UK Power Networks, SGN) to customers in need (each supplier and network maintain their own register). The PSR is available to residents who are of pensionable age, disabled or chronically sick, have a long-term medical condition, have a hearing or visual impairment or additional communication needs or are in a vulnerable situation. To be added to the Priority Services Register contact your energy supplier/ network provider.
Winter Fuel Payments
If you are over 60 you could be entitled to help with your heating bills.
If you think you qualify visit the GOV.UK website.
Cold Weather Payment
This payment is available to those on certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.
Payments are made when your average local temperature is either recorded as, or forecast to be, an average of zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days. If you are eligible you will be paid automatically. You can find more information out about this payment on the Cold Weather Payment section of the GOV.UK website
Warm Homes Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is available to those households on income related benefits. Please note it is important to register for this as soon as the new 2022 – 2023 scheme opens, please check the link below for details.
This programme is run by the government and energy suppliers to provide rebates on the electricity bills of households that need it most. The Warm Home Discount Scheme offers eligible customers a yearly one-off payment on their electricity bill between January and March.
If you think you qualify visit the Warm Home Discount Scheme section of the GOV.UK website. You may also wish to contact your own energy supplier(s) to see if they have any current schemes that may help you with energy debt or discount schemes.
Cold Weather Priority Initiative
The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) has launched a Cold Weather Priority (CWP) initiative for the off-grid sector.
This initiative has been developed to identify those most at risk, and ensure delivery to these customers can be prioritised during periods of extreme cold, or fuel shortages.
To check if your local supplier is involved visit the cold weather priority website
Support with Energy Cost Arrears
Some utility companies offer help to customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills
- British Gas Energy Trust - apply for a grant on the British Gas Energy Trust website
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund - apply for a grant on the Scottish Power Hardship Fund website
- Ovo Energy Fund - apply for a grant on the Ovo Energy Fund website
- E.ON Energy Fund - apply for a grant on the E.ON Energy Fund website
- E.ON Next Energy Fund - apply for a grant on the E.ON Next Energy Fund website
- EDF Energy Customer Support Fund - apply for a grant on the EDF Energy Customer Support Fund website
- Bulb Energy Fund - apply for a grant on the Bulb Energy Fund website
- Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’ - apply for a grant on the Octopus website
If you can’t get a grant from your supplier, check if you can get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust. These grants are available to anyone - you don’t have to be a British Gas customer.
The Simple Energy Advice website has advice on ways to save energy such as:
- insulating your loft and cavity walls
- Draught-proofing windows and doors
- Installing double glazing
You can also find out if you are eligible for a home energy grant to help pay for things such as loft insulation.