Utility bills
Home - it is somewhere you want to feel safe and warm. If you are struggling, help is out there.
Most energy companies now have a fund to help anyone going through hardship, give yours a call and see how they can help.
Essex Energy Switch
You can use the scheme to get a better deal on your gas and electricity. It is free to register and there is no obligation to switch.
British Gas
British Gas provides grants for customers and non-customers to help with energy bills so even if you get your gas and electric elsewhere, you can still apply for help.
Prepayment meter help
Fuel Vouchers - If you can't afford to top up your prepayment meter, you may be able to get a fuel voucher. This is a code given to you in a letter, text or email.
You use it to add credit to your gas card or electricity key. If you don't have one of these, contact your supplier to get one.
Heating oil
If you heat your home by oil, you are likely to make significant savings by joining an oil club. By placing your order with other residents, you can buy oil in bulk and save money.
The Oil-Club is the largest heating oil club in the UK, search for a fuel deal or to find a local oil club near you.
In addition to this, the Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) has a community oil buying scheme. There is no membership fee and the scheme is open to anyone who lives in Essex.
Cost of living cooking chart
What is the cheapest way to cook?
| Appliance | Cost per day | Cost per week | Cost per month | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric cooker | 87p | £6.09 | £26.38 | £316.54 |
| Dual fuel cooker (gas & electric) | 72p | £5.08 | £22 | £264.03 |
| Gas cooker | 33p | £2.32 | £10.07 | £120.83 |
| Slow cooker | 16p | £1.15 | £4.98 | £59.76 |
| Air fryer | 14p | £1.01 | £4.40 | £52.74 |
| Microwave | 8p | £1.01 | £2.50 | £30.02 |
As of October 22
Water bills
Whilst you can't switch between water providers, there are ways in which you could potentially save money off your water bills.
If there are more bedrooms in your home than people, or the same number, look at getting a water meter. The Consumer Council for Water has a free water meter calculator that tells you if you can save with a meter. It asks questions about your water use and tells you your estimated costs if you have a meter.
Some water companies are offering free gadgets that help to regulate water usage, including shower heads, tap inserts, garden hose nozzles and 'Buffaloo' cistern bags. Contact your water company to find out more.
Water providers in Uttlesford:
Affinity Water
Call: 0345 357 2401
Anglian Water
Call: 0800 169 3630
Thames Water
Call: 0800 316 9800
Broadband
How to get Wi-Fi with no credit check:
- Pay-as-you-go mobile broadband
- Choose a rolling contract
Will other providers still accept me if I have bad credit?
If you have bad credit, providers will work with customers on a case-by-case basis to explore alternative agreements.
Getting broadband when on Universal Credit
Social broadband tariffs exist and are cheaper than standard tariffs. Providers have the ability to confirm who is eligible for these, without the customer needing to prove their own eligibility. If you think you may be eligible, contact your provider to see if they can lower your costs.
Which internet providers offer broadband for bad credit?
- Plusnet
- NOW Broadband
- Direct Save Telecom
Visit www.uswitch.com to find out more.