Help and advice

• Switching your energy Supplier
  Check your bill and if you are on a Standard Tariff you will be paying more for your gas/electric. A good way of checking the best energy deals available is through a switching site such as Uswitch (or any Ofgem approved site). All you need is your current utility bill which will show your annual usage. Input your information and the best deals will be listed for you. Switching these days is a straightforward process and a switching site will do everything for you.
• Staying with your current Supplier
  Sometimes you can save money with your existing supplier by changing to a different payment option or tariff. Simply call them and tell them what you would like to do. They should then write to you confirming the details of your new contract
• Warm Home Discount
  Ask your energy supplier if you are entitled to a Warm Home Discount. This is a discount of £140 on your electricity bill over the Winter months. Those who receive the Guarantee Element of Pension Credit are eligible, as are other low-income and vulnerable households. Call the Helpline on 0345 603 9439
• Winter Fuel Payment
  If you are at State Pension age you should be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. This is an annual payment of between £100 and £300. You are normally paid automatically between November and December. Call the Helpline on 03459 151515.
• Help with your Energy Debt
  If you are in debt with your supplier or struggling to keep on top of your bills then speak to your supplier as soon as possible. If they know you have a problem they will work with you to find a solution. They must offer you an affordable payment arrangement. If you are offered a pre-payment meter you do not have to agree to it.
• Avoiding Disconnection
  If you let your energy debts build up there is a risk that you will eventually be disconnected. However, many suppliers will fit a pre-payment meter as an alternative to disconnection. There are strict rules with regard to disconnection. You cannot be disconnected if you are of pensionable age and live alone, if someone of pensionable age or chronically sick or disabled is living with you, you have a debt relief order, your debt is owed to a previous supplier or you have been made bankrupt.
• Priority Services Register
  Energy Suppliers, Electricity Northwest and United Utilities must offer special services to customers who are of state pension age, disabled, have a chronic illness or a visual or hearing impairment. This includes priority during an emergency including alternative heating and cooking facilities.
• United Utilities
  United Utilities have many ways to help you save money on your water bills and to help with water debts. They will also provide a FREE pack of energy-saving gadgets to help you reduce your water usage. Please ring 0800 822 3922 or online www.unitedutilities.com
• Benefit Advice
  Always make sure you are claiming the benefits that you are entitled to as this may open up more ways of making financial savings. Many are not means tested and you may qualify if you have a long-term health condition or caring for a loved one. Age Concern/Age UK offer free benefit advice.
• Free Energy Advice from the CHiL Team
  The Cosy Homes Team have many years of experience in the energy sector and are available to assist should you need it. If you need help applying for anything included in this section we will help you. We work with many agencies across Lancashire so even if your problem is not energy-related we are here to help.

These useful videos will help you gain control over your heating and be more energy efficient at home