How to cut energy costs if you can’t get the winter fuel payment

If you’re already worried about the cost of heating your home, the first thing to do is check if you can cut your heating costs by switching tariffs. There are now a few fixed deals available at the price cap or slightly below it, so keep a close eye on prices. Try using comparison websites and be ready to switch when better deals become available.   
You can compare energy deals using comparison sites, such as: 

• MoneySavingExpert’s Cheap Energy ClubOpens in a new window

• Which?Opens in a new window

If you’re not sure how best to access comparison sites or would value some help, you can access impartial advice if you’re thinking of switching. Here are the key organisations that can help. 

In England or Wales call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service: 0808 223 1133

In Northern Ireland call the Consumer Council: 0800 121 6022 

In Scotland call Home Energy Scotland: 0808 080 2282

Need more help? Learn more in our guide What to do if your energy bill is high.

Yes. If you can’t switch to a cheaper deal, or you’re on the cheapest deal available check with your supplier if there is any more support they can give. 

For example if you qualify, you can sign up for the free Priority Services Register (PSR)Opens in a new window a service that helps utility companies look after customers who need extra help. 

If you are over pension age, have an illness or disability or care for vulnerable people living in your home, you are eligible to join. By joining the PSR you can get priority help in the event of a power cut, connection to emergency services and help if your energy supply is interrupted.

If you earn too much to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment it is unlikely that you will be eligible for the specific grants aimed at helping people on lower incomes. However, Ofgem helps you find schemes, grants and benefits that will help with both the cost of bills and energy-saving measures. If you are not sure who to contact, you can find your energy supplierOpens in a new window on Ofgem's dedicated page.

The charity Turn2Us has a helpful grants checkerOpens in a new window which can match your information to grants you might qualify for.  You can also check Citizens Advice, which has a list of grants offered by some larger suppliersOpens in a new window

There are a range of grants to help people make their homes more energy efficient. One of the key sources of help is the government’s “Help to Heat Scheme” which has separate measures that are delivered by local authorities, energy suppliers, and installers. 

This includes a boiler upgrade and an insulation scheme, as well as home upgrade schemes if you don’t have a gas boiler. Each initiative has different eligibility criteria depending on your home and circumstances so it’s best to check each one to see if it’s right for you. Find an overview of the help availableOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.

If your home uses off-grid fuels, take a look at our page about how you can reduce your costs if you use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or heating oil.

With energy prices creeping up, the only sure way to keep your costs down is to use less energy, which you can do safely by using energy more efficiently Here are some quick ideas to help you: 

• Close your curtains and use draft excluders to stop heat escaping.

• Use your washing machine or dishwasher at a lower temperature, or run them on the ‘eco’ setting – and avoid putting the washing on when you don’t have a full load.

• Get into the habit of switching off lights when you leave a room and switching off electrical items instead of leaving them on standby According to the Energy Saving Trust you could save around £45 in Great Britain and £70 in Northern Ireland annually just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby. 

For more help on how to reduce your energy bill you can visit The Energy Saving TrustOpens in a new window which has a range of tips to save energy. 

Energy bills are priority payments because it’s important to stay safe and warm, so you should always focus on these bills before less important debts.

The regulator responsible for energy companies has rules that say suppliers must work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford.  

You can ask your supplier for a review of your current payments and how to pay back any arrears, such as more time to pay and access to hardship funds. See more about asking for help from your supplierOpens in a new window on Ofgem. If you’re struggling with bills and payments, our quick, easy-to-use  Bill prioritiser  helps you understand which bills and payments to deal with first and how to avoid missing any payments. 

If you’ve already missed essential bills or payments, or if you’re behind with other debts, it’s important to get help as soon as you can. If you’re worried, we have a helpful guide that takes you through how to approach your energy supplier and get the help you need.

If you’re over State Pension age and need help with personal care because of an illness or disability you might be able to claim Attendance AllowanceOpens in a new window on GOV.UK. You can apply even if you don’t already get any help, it is based on whether you need it,so you can apply regardless of your income, savings or if you own your own home.   

It has two weekly rates: £72.65 and £108.55 based on your level of need. You can use the money towards extra care or heating costs – whatever helps to make your daily life more manageable.

If you’re in need of a new boiler and receive Attendance Allowance then there is a good chance you could qualify for a grant to help you get a free boiler upgrade for your home. through the Government’s ECO scheme. You can find out more about the Attendance Allowance scheme and if you qualifyOpens in a new window

Our guide  Living on a squeezed income  has a range of help and support to save money on household bills.

Look for free “Warm Spaces”

Councils across the country are opening community spaces for people to keep warm for free during the day during the colder months.  Find your local council Opens in a new window on GOV.UK for locations and opening times. You can find out more about free Warm Welcome SpacesOpens in a new window