Every day a little of the food, water and fuel you use is wasted. Over a year these small amounts can add up.
Save on heating
- Make sure you understand how your central heating works so you’re using the right settings for your home.
- If you have a heating programmer, check it’s on the right temperature for you and at the right time of day.
- Find out how to make the most of your storage heaters if you have them.
- If you need help with your heating system, just let us know.
- Get tips on saving energy on the Energy Saving Trust website.
Help with the cost of energy bills
There are a few schemes that can help with grants and funding to help you save money on your energy bills.
- If you were born on or before 26 September 1955 you may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300.
- If you’re on a low income you might qualify for the Cold Weather Payment. You’ll get £25 per week in very cold weather.
- The Warm Homes Discount is a government-run scheme run with some energy suppliers. You’ll be sent a letter if you qualify and be paid some money back to help towards your heating bills.
- The government have launched additional support for vulnerable households this year. You can contact your local council to see if you’re eligible.
Save on water use
There’s lots of different ways to reduce the amount of water you use. And if you’re on a water meter this can help as well.
Find out how to use less water when you shower, wash your clothes or even flush the toilet.
If you don’t have a water meter you can contact your supplier to find out if changing might save you money.
Some water suppliers now offer discounts for customers on a low income. Check here to see if yours offers a discount.
Connect for Help – an energy charity
We have been forging new partnerships with local energy charities across the country, to increase access to energy support and advice for our customers. One of them is Connect for Help, an energy advice organisation targeted towards households that are already in, or at risk of, fuel poverty. They’ve been helping our customers reduce their energy bills to ensure that they can afford to keep warm throughout the winter. If you’d like free confidential advice from Connect for Help, you can contact them via their website, email or by calling 0800 029 4548.
Energy and money saving tips from Guinness
Switching suppliers
The energy market is in turmoil. Wholesale prices (the prices that firms pay) are at unprecedented highs and multiple energy firms have gone bust in 2021. What’s more, bills have just risen by a typical £139/year for millions, after regulator Ofgem hiked the price cap to its highest-ever level on 1 October 2021.
Unfortunately there are currently few deals that are meaningfully cheaper than the price cap right now. However there are sites and organisations that offer support and advice on energy and bills:
- Money Saving Expert
- Connect for Help
- Citizens Advice have useful information for if a supplier goes bust