Energy saving tips

Energy price increases are big news, and information changes frequently. We've summarised the extra help available here, but MoneySavingExpert is a great place to keep an eye on the very latest energy news and support.

One-off payments 2022 

There will be a £400 rebate off energy bills in October 2022, for all households.

Council taxpayers in England in bands A to D will receive a rebate of £150 from their bills in April 2022. This will be paid quicker if you are on Direct Debit, but if not your Local Authority will write to you to arrange this payment.

Discretionary payments 2022 

Local authorities will make discretionary payments to people struggling the most to pay their energy bills.  Local Authorities can decide themselves how this money is distributed so you will need to check with your own Council as to if you may be entitled to any additional help.

Scotland and Wales have been provided with additional funding to provide extra support to households too.

One-off benefit boost

Claimants of income related benefits will receive a £650 top up to their welfare benefits, paid in two instalments.  The first instalment is expected in July and the next is expected in Autumn. Income related benefits include:

• Universal Credit
• Income base Job Seekers Allowance
• Income related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit and Income Support

Those on Working or Child Tax Credits are also expected to receive these instalments but no dates have been confirmed as yet.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

This discount has been extended to reach three million households in the winter of 2022.

All energy providers have different rules around who qualifies for this discount so it's worth everyone checking. To see if you qualify contact:

• Your energy provider
• Local Energy Partnership (LEAP) in England
• Home Energy Scotland
• Citizens Advice

If you, or someone you live with, receive any of the following, you might be able to claim a Warm Home Discount from your supplier:

• Guaranteed Credit (part of Pension Credit)
• Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (part of Universal Credit)
• Support Group payment (part of Employment Support Allowance)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

There are some situations where the Warm Home Discount is automatically applied. However, this isn't always the case. So, make sure you ask your energy provider to apply the discount.

Warm Home Discount schemes for 2021/2022 are closed, but look out from August 2022 when they re-open.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme could give you an extra £150 towards your fuel bill. Your Winter Fuel payment and Cold Weather payments are not affected by this.

Cold Weather Payment

Has the temperature been below zero degree celsius for the past seven days? You might be able to get a Cold Weather payment if you’re getting certain benefits. The payment gives you £25 for every seven days the average temperature in your area is recorded as (or forecast to be) zero degrees celsius or below. To find out more, please visit the government’s Cold Weather Payment website.

Winter Fuel Payment

If you’re over the age of 66, as of 19 – 25 Sept 2022, you could be entitled to extra money towards your energy bills with the Winter Fuel Payment.  Those who are entitled are set to receive £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Top-Up.  To find out more, please visit the government’s Winter Fuel Payment website and MoneySavingExpert.

Help with your water bill

Many water companies offer schemes to help people struggling to pay their bills. This could include a reduced tariff or flexible payment plans. Visit the voice for water consumers to find out more about help with my bills. 

The additional help that was announced in May 2022, is tax free and the benefit cap will be disregarded for these payments.