ENERGY COSTS

Energy & utility costs are unavoidable, and often a significant part of a household budget. If you're struggling with energy costs, or already in energy debt, ther may be several things you can do to alleviate the situation. 

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Getting the best out of the fuel you use

Fuel is expensive, so it makes sense to make the most out of what you pay for. Living in rented accommodation means you're not likely to be able to insulate or double-glaze your home (although there are often grant schemes  which you could make your landlord aware of; any improvements are likely to add value to the property, and help keep it in good repair): However, there are lots of little things you can do that add up. Visit the Energy Saving Trust for their tips on some 'Quick Wins'

If your home is especially difficult to keep comfortable, take a look at our Property Standards pages, or speak to your landlord - or your council if your landlord fails to investigate your concerns. 

Switching to the best tariff

​Comparison sites will help you find the best deal for you: be aware that some sites receive commission from suppliers. Some of the more independent sites include:

• My Utility Genius 
• U Switch
• Energy Helpline 
• Switch Gas & Electric

You can find more at the Ofgem guide to comparison sites, Go Energy Shopping (rates sites for confidence and impartiality). 

Suppliers who specialise in tariffs particularly relevant to people with prepayment meters include:

• Spark Energy, who are prepayment meter specialists
• Ebico, who have a tariff with no standing charges.

(We are not recommending these suppliers specifically, just highlighting services they offer that may be relevant to your circumstances).

Switching whilst on debt

If you have energy debts under £500 (including on prepayment meters), or disputed debts, you can still switch energy suppliers.

Fuel Debt Advice Service

A service offered by the brilliant Plymouth Energy Community in  Plymouth: the CAB has similar funding in Teignbridge, and will signpost you to help in other areas. Here you can find:

• Energy Debt Advice
• Help with grants to clear energy debts (of over £50)
• A switching service to assist with getting the best deal, as well as help with actually changing energy suppliers
• Advice and home visits to help with using storage heaters, programming timers and other ways to make the most of the fuel you do use.

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Energy Companies Obligation

The ECO scheme (‘Energy Companies Obligation’) is often under publicised, but may be able to help with:

• Help with solid & cavity wall insulation
• Affordable Warmth scheme – including help with  boiler repairs & replacements
• Help with insulation/glazing depending on postcode/income

Contact the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234
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Priority Services Register ​

For disabled, pensionable aged, chronically sick and vulnerable people:

• Help with relocation of or changing energy meter
• Bill nominee scheme – a copy of all bills get sent to a nominated person 
• Advance notice & support during energy supply interruptions
• Free gas appliance safety check

​You'll need to ask your own energy provider for details about these services.
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Water Debt

Call Southwest Water Debt Helpline on 0800 0830 283 in the first instance, to try and arrange an affordable payment schedule, or to find ways of reducing costs. 

Plymouth CAB Water Debt Gateway – can offer advice and assistance with:

• Debt prevention/ reducing ongoing charges
• Debt solutions – Grants, payment & debt reduction plan

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