what can we do to reduce energy bills and is there grants available

happyfella · February 2023

I have just received my latest gas and electricity bill, which is shocking. Before the price increase our joint elec and gas bill was £90, there are only two of us. Now, this month, we got our bill through for jan, and it has gone up to £280 for the month.

The doctor has told me i have to keep warm, and we do live in a cold house, so we use the gas fire a lot to keep warm and not the central heating. we put the central heating on for about half an hour each day.

I did apply to the local council to have the house warmer by having the outside insulted, but they said that could not be done due to the new regulations of the roof being too short. Really don't understand it. We do have the loft insulted, but not sure if we should ask to have more insulation put in.

We have now more going out than coming in, and really not sure what to do. We have now reduced using the gas fire which is not great for my health. Is there any advice please on grants to make the house warmer, or any advice on what to do.

Our house is mortgage and we have seen some mold due to the house being cold.

I am told not to get stressed as i have a heart attack warning, and this stress is not helping

Adeline · February 2023

Your username sounds so positive @happyfella, I'm sorry you're in this position.

Have you heard of or been told about LEAP? https://applyforleap.org.uk/apply/ Unfortunately their demand is so high they've closed self-referrals in some areas of England but you could see about getting referred in.
While it says about energy advice as part of the advice they do give grants both to help the cost of gas and electric and for things like insulation or heating equipment.

Scope have an energy advice service for disabled people which my friends was giving vouchers towards their energy bills when using. https://www.scope.org.uk/disability-energy-support/

British Gas Energy Trust is another option https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/ you don't need to be with British Gas to use them. Unfortunately they seem more geared at those who are already in debt and not paying rather than preventing debt.

Citizens advice have some ideas too: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/

Are you eligible for the warm home discount and have you checked there are no benefits you're entitled to that you aren't receiving?

If you know which provider you're with I'd be happy to look to see if I can find any specific help they are offering.

November and December were exceptionally cold so hopefully as the weather picks up now your bill will go down.

happyfella · February 2023

Thank you for that. We are with Scottish power for the gas which is the main problem. The electricity is with eon, but luckily we are in credit for them. but the gas is the main stress

what can we do to reduce energy bills and is there grants available

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