With the rising cost of energy bills in the UK having an impact on finances, it is important carers know the help that is out there.
Carers play a vital role in looking after loved ones, while also often managing household costs. In this blog, I will set out some of the ways you can reduce the strain.
At North Tyneside Carers’ Centre we offer free advice on energy saving and energy debt, and can help you get on the Priority Services Register with your supplier. This is a list of customers who may need extra help, either all the time or due to something that’s happened in their lives.
This will help you get extra support with things like meter readings, advance warnings of supply interruptions and how to save on cooking and heating. You’ll also get priority reconnection if your supply is interrupted.
We’ll also advise you on practical ways to reduce your energy bills that work for your individual circumstances.
The first thing to do is to check your energy tariff and switch to a cheaper option if available. It’s worth doing a bit of digging on a comparison site because this could save you money every month.
If you can’t switch and are worried about paying your bills, contact your supplier as soon as you can. Ofgem’s rules mean they must work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford. You can also ask them for:
● a review of your current payments and debt repayments
● payment breaks or reductions
● more time to pay
● access to hardship funds
● advice on how to use less energy
If you are renting, speak to your landlord about any energy saving methods that will help keep home warmer. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for more information.
What help is available
Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme will reopen in October. This is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill. If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill.
Cold Weather Payments
For those who are eligible, you’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each seven day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025.
You may get Cold Weather Payments 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.
Winter Fuel Payments
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. You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits. If you are eligible, you’ll normally get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically.
If you are entitled to Pension Credit you will also get Winter Fuel payments. For Winter 2024, new applicants to Pension Credit need to start their claim before September 26 to make sure they receive the extra support.
What can you do to help
There is a lot of advice out there for saving money on your energy bills. Every little helps. So as we are approaching the winter months, here are my top tips.
1. Swop your light bulbs to LED bulbs. LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
2. Drying clothes – you can still dry clothes outside if it’s cold as long as it’s not damp. If you do need to dry inside, don’t hang clothes on the radiator, use an airer, and make sure there is good ventilation ideally near an open window.
3. Wash with a full load and set your washing machine to 30°C instead of higher temperatures. You can also use a high spin speed so your clothes come out almost dry.
4. Unplug appliances when they’re not in use. You can also turn devices to “energy-saving” or “eco” mode.
5. Love a brew? Only boil the water you need. Overfilling the kettle wastes water, money, and time.
It is also worth checking out Home Energy Advice North East which is helping households install energy saving home improvements which will help reduce energy bills. This support is delivered by the experts at Energy Saving Trust. For more information visit Home Energy Advice North East or call 0808 175 9345.
If you would like more help and advice, get in touch.