Help with your energy bills

You may also be eligible for benefits, grants and help offered by the government and energy suppliers.
 

Warm Home Discount

You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter under the government's Warm Home Discount Scheme (on GOV.UK) if you either:

• get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
• are on a low income

If you're eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you.
 

Get help with energy-saving improvements

You can apply for help with home energy-saving improvements.

Warm Homes Essex

Help with the cost of energy, going green, home improvements, financial help and tips on energy saving.

Find out more about the Warm Homes Essex scheme on the Warm Homes website.

The Energy Company Obligation

You might be able to get help for energy-saving improvements to your home if you either:

• claim certain benefits and live in private housing (for example you own your home or rent from a private landlord)
• live in social housing

You may get help with the cost of:

• insulation work, for example to your loft or cavity walls
• replacing or repairing your boiler - or other upgrades to your heating

Find how to get help from your energy supplier on GOV.UK.

Great British Insulation Scheme

You may be able to get free or cheaper insulation to reduce your home's energy bills.

You might get support if your home:

• has an energy performance certificate (EPC) of D to G - check your EPC on GOV.UK
• is in Council Tax bands A-D - check your Council Tax band on GOV.UK

You can be a homeowner, landlord or tenant (either renting privately or from a housing association). If you're a tenant, speak to your landlord before you apply. You'll need their permission before any insulation can be installed.

Apply for support from the Great British Insulation Scheme on GOV.UK.

 

Other help

You may be able to get other kinds of support with your bills.

Help to top-up existing benefits

You may be able to get help from us to top-up your existing benefits. We have 3 funds you can apply to:

Cost Of Living Support Fund

Exceptional Hardship Fund

Discretionary Housing Payments

Find out more about how we can help to top-up your benefits.

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born before 23 September 1958 you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025. This is known as a 'Winter Fuel Payment'.

You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits.

Find out about Winter Fuel Payments on GOV.UK.

Cold Weather Payment

You may get a Cold Weather Payment (on GOV.UK) if you're getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.

If you're eligible, you'll get these payments automatically. You do not need to apply, but you may need to tell Jobcentre Plus if you have a baby or if a child under 5 comes to live with you.

 

Struggling to pay your energy bills

If you're struggling to pay your energy bill you can contact Citizens Advice and other local organisations for information on grants and support to help you pay your energy bills.

Utilities support

If you are struggling to pay your bills, contact your supplier urgently. There are many charities and organisations that offer advice and support.

Information and advice to help if you are struggling to pay your bills.

Local advice and support events

Get advice from the local Citizens Advice team this autumn on where you can go to get help with your energy bills.

Find out when and where the events are being held.