Energy bills can be a significant expense for many households, with gas and electricity costs accounting for a large portion of monthly expenses. As such, it’s no wonder that some people wonder whether they can get energy supply for free, or whether they have to pay for gas and electricity at all.
Unfortunately, all energy consumers have to pay for the energy they consumer. However, those who are struggling can get government help with paying their bills. In this article, we’ll explore what options are available to reduce your energy bills. While getting energy supply for free may seem like a dream come true, there are considerations to keep in mind to help you navigate the cost of living crisis.
Can I get government help with energy bills?
Yes, there is help available for people who are struggling to pay their energy bills in the UK. The government and energy companies offer a range of grants and benefits to help households afford their energy bills. Below, we take a closer look at the options available for managing your energy costs.
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, it’s important to contact your energy supplier as soon as possible. They may be able to offer you a payment plan or other support to help you manage your bills. You can also get advice and impartial help from organizations such as Citizens Advice or your local council.
What is winter fuel payment?
Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment offered by the UK government to help eligible households with the cost of heating their homes during the winter months. It is typically paid out once a year between November and December, and the amount received depends on individual circumstances, such as age and whether the recipient lives alone or with someone else.
To be eligible for Winter Fuel Payment, you must have been born on or before 5 October 1954 and have lived in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week. If you receive certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, you will automatically receive the payment. Otherwise, you may need to make a claim.
What is an energy price guarantee?
Energy price guarantee is a scheme offered by some energy suppliers in the UK that promises to fix the price of a customer’s energy bills for a set period of time, typically between one and three years. This can provide customers with peace of mind that their energy bills will not increase during the fixed period, even if energy prices rise.
However, it’s important to note that energy price guarantee does not necessarily mean that a customer’s bills will be the cheapest available. Customers should still compare prices between suppliers to ensure they are getting the best deal, and consider factors such as customer service and the supplier’s environmental credentials when choosing an energy provider.
What is a warm home discount scheme?
The Warm Home Discount is a UK government scheme aimed at providing financial support to households that struggle with the cost of energy bills. The scheme is designed to help low-income families, pensioners, and other vulnerable groups who may be struggling to keep their homes warm during the winter months.
The Warm Home Discount scheme provides a one-off payment of £140 towards the energy bills of eligible households. This payment is made directly to the energy supplier, who then applies the discount to the customer’s bill. The payment is usually made in the winter months, between October and March.
To qualify for the Warm Home Discount, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. The criteria may vary depending on your energy supplier, but generally, you may be eligible if you receive certain means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, Income Support, or Universal Credit. You may also be eligible if you are on a low income and meet certain criteria set by your energy supplier.
It is important to note that the Warm Home Discount scheme is not available to everyone. If you are not eligible for the scheme, there may be other forms of financial support available to help with energy bills. Your energy supplier may offer other support schemes, or you may be able to access government-funded schemes such as the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) or the Green Homes Grant scheme.
What can I do if my supplier goes bust?
If your energy supplier goes bust in the UK, it can be a worrying and confusing time. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your energy supply is not interrupted and that you are not left out of pocket.
The first thing to do if your energy supplier goes bust is to contact the energy regulator Ofgem. Ofgem will be able to provide advice and guidance on what to do next. In most cases, Ofgem will appoint a new supplier to take over your energy supply. This new supplier will be responsible for ensuring that your energy supply continues uninterrupted, and you will not experience any disruption to your energy supply.
If a new supplier is appointed, they will contact you directly to explain the situation and provide details of their tariff and payment options. It is important to remember that you are not obligated to stay with the new supplier, and you may be able to switch to a different supplier if you wish.
In some cases, you may be in credit with your energy supplier when they go bust. If this is the case, you should be able to reclaim any credit that you are owed. Ofgem will provide guidance on how to do this.
If you are in debt to your energy supplier when they go bust, you will still be responsible for paying off the debt. However, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan with the new supplier.
Energy saving and energy efficiency tips
Here are some energy-saving and energy-efficient tips that can help you reduce your energy bills:
- Switch energy suppliers – compare prices and switch to an energy supplier that offers a better deal.
- Check your energy bills – make sure your energy bills are accurate and you are not overpaying.
- Reduce your energy consumption – turn off lights and appliances when not in use, use energy-efficient light bulbs, and choose energy-efficient appliances.
- Use a smart meter – a smart meter can help you keep track of your energy usage and identify areas where you can reduce consumption.
- Apply for government schemes – the government offers various grants and benefits to help with your energy bills, such as the Warm Home Discount and winter fuel payment.
- Improve energy efficiency – insulate your home, draught-proof doors and windows, and upgrade your boiler to a more energy-efficient model.
- Pay by direct debit – paying by direct debit can often result in lower energy bills and avoid any late payment charges.
- Get energy-saving advice – contact your energy supplier, Citizens Advice or your local council for energy-saving advice.
- Take advantage of discounts – some energy companies offer discounts for prepayment meters, low-income households or those receiving certain benefits.
- Consider renewable energy – install solar panels or consider switching to a green energy supplier to reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills.