Energy Support

Losing a loved one or caring for someone in the final months of their life can bring many challenges, including financial worries.

Managing household costs, like energy bills, might feel overwhelming during such a difficult time. Or it might have seemed unimportant while you were dealing with your grief, and you’ve now realised that you’re in a difficult situation with your bills. 

We’re here to help you find the support you need. Whether you’re looking for guidance on available support, energy-saving tips, or priority services, this page provides practical information and signposting to help ease some of the financial strain and give you one less thing to worry about. 

What support can I get from my energy supplier?

Your energy supplier has a responsibility to support you if you are struggling to keep up with energy bills or owe them money. Many people will feel anxious speaking to their supplier if they’re behind with payments, but once your supplier is informed of your circumstances they’ll have a duty of care to you, and can work with you to find a solution. 

You can speak to your energy supplier about: 

  • reviewing your payments (including debt repayments) 
  • payment breaks or reductions 
  • more time to pay your bills 
  • access to hardship funds 

What other support is available?

If you’re bereaved, you’re likely to be eligible for the Priority services Register (PSR). You can find out more and sign up on our dedicated PSR page here.

There are many schemes and grants that exist to support people who are struggling with energy bills. Below, we’ve listed information on support services which are available to help you if you’re struggling with your energy:

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    • This free, not-for-profit service run by National Energy Foundation offers advice and assistance to anyone experiencing issues with their energy and keeping warm at home. Their support is free, confidential and tailored to your personal circumstances.

    Better Housing, Better Health can support with:

    • Energy Advice
    • Home energy visits, where they can assess energy efficiency, offer tailored advice and provide free energy efficiency items
    • Access to debt support, grants and funding
    • Access to grants towards insulation and new heating systems
    • Signposting further support

    Website: www.bhbh.org.uk

    Telephone: 0800 107 0044

    Citizen’s Advice can provide advice and support on a range of energy issues. You can find contact details for your local Citizens Advice branch by looking up your postcode on their website here. 

    Citizens Advice can support with:  

    • Help paying bills  
    • Assistance communicating with suppliers  
    • Help taking meter readings  
    • Energy efficiency advice  
    • Guidance switching suppliers / tariffs  
    • Support with problems and complaints

    National Energy Action are a UK fuel poverty charity. They can offer advice and support if you’re struggling to heat your home. You can find more information on their website here. 

    Get Energy Help is a resource hub offering helpful tips and advice on different ways you can save energy, stay warm and reduce energy bills. You can find more information on their website here.

    Ofgem is the UK’s energy regulator. You can find support and guidance for dealing with your energy bills and supplier on their website here.

    What financial assistance may be available?

    There are lots of assistance schemes designed to support people with paying their energy bills. These all have differing eligibility criteria, so it’s a good idea to seek advice from a service like Citizens Advice to find out more about what you could be entitled to. We’ve listed some of the main financial assistance schemes below: 

    If you’ve reached State Pension age and get certain benefits, you might be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment. This is an annual one-off payment to help you pay for heating during the winter. Further information can be found here.

    Some energy suppliers offer a Warm Home Discount Scheme. This is a one-off discount on your energy bill. If you are eligible, your energy company will let you know. 

    The scheme in Scotland works slightly differently to the scheme in England and Wales. The Warm Home Discount Scheme is not available in Northern Ireland. 

    For more information, visit here

    You may be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment when it’s very cold if you receive certain benefits. This is in the form of a one-off payment to help with extra heating costs. More information is available here.

    If you can’t afford to top up your prepayment meter, you might be able to get a fuel voucher. Better Housing Better Health through the National Energy Foundation can support with assessing your eligibility for fuel vouchers. Make a referral on this page.

    The Cold Weather Priority (CWP) scheme supports households that use heating oil and who can be prioritised during cold weather and heating oil shortages.

    If you are over 75 years old, or have someone in your household who is over 75, you may be eligible for the Cold Weather Priority scheme. Speak to your supplier about whether they are a member of this scheme. Find out more information, visit here.