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You are here: MHA Home > Information & Advice > Managing Your Finances > Saving Money on Your Utility Bills

Saving Money on Your Utility Bills

Information and handy tips to help reduce your household living costs.

The increasing cost of living means more older people are experiencing financial worries. We've put together some helpful tips and information that could help you to save money on your electricity, gas, and water bills. 

Taking Charge campaign

Taking Charge is a campaign offering free support for people who work in social care, and the people they support, to save money on their energy bills.

They offer:

  • Free interactive webinars – showing you easy ways to slash your bills, in less than half an hour
  • Accessible resources - easy-read guides and fun toolkits, helping the people you support to find ways to beat their bills.

What energy-saving grants are available?

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born on or before 26 September 1955, you may be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment giving you between £100 - £300 each winter to help cover the cost of your heating bills. You should receive this payment automatically. 

If you haven't claimed for a Winter Fuel Payment before, and you’re claiming your State Pension or other benefits such as Pension Credit, contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline to make a claim on 0800 731 0160 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm excluding bank holidays). 

In Wales, there was a Winter Fuel Support Scheme where you could receive £100 for households that claim certain benefits but this stopped in February 2023. If you visit the link, you will be able to contact your Local Authority. 

Warm Home Discount Scheme

The Warm Home Discount is returning in October 2023 where you can get up to £150 off your electricity bill in Winter. 

Energy Bill Discount 

You will receive £400 off energy bills for households in Great Britain from October 2022. This automatic, non-repayable discount will be applied in six installments between October 2022 and March 2023 to help households through winter.

There is no need to apply for the scheme and you will not be asked for your bank details.

Cost of living payment

Households on means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Tax Credits, will receive a payment of £650 this year. 

This will be made automatically in two installments, one in summer and another in the autumn, and is in addition to the £400 discount on energy bills. 

Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

In the winter months, pensioners can get between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills.

This winter, they will also receive an extra one-off £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment. 

Check the GOV.UK website to see if you’re eligible for the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

Cold weather payments

You could receieve £25 extra a week if you’re getting certain benefits available during the winter when the temperature is zero or below for more than seven days.

Check the GOV.UK website to see if you’re eligible for cold weather payments 

Help for households

There is a Government campaign running from September 2022 called Help for Households. Along with the above, there is lots of information about support available to help you pay your bills. There is also information on discounts & offers and much more.  

Help from your energy supplier

Many energy companies have schemes to help with home heating and energy costs. For example, by making your home more energy-efficient. Make sure you check with your supplier if there's any extra help they can provide. 

Green Deal Assessment 

There are some Green Deal improvements available at a discounted rate from the government. A Green Deal assessor will visit your home, you may be asked to pay for this but the assessor must specify the fee in advance. For more information, visit the Green Deal webpage >

Support to pay your energy bill debts

If you find yourself in debt with your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help you cover the cost.

These energy suppliers offer grants:

Or alternatively, if you're unable to get a grant from your supplier, check if you can get a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust you don’t have to be a British Gas customer to be eligible.

Support from water companies

Check with your water provider as they may be able to offer:

  • Payment holidays
  • Flexible payment plans (weekly, fortnightly, monthly, annually)
  • Extended payment plans
  • Schemes that can decrease the amount you have to pay depending on your circumstances.

Consider switching to a water meter

This is especially beneficial if your household has fewer people living in it than bedrooms, it's worth considering if a water meter might help with savings. This online calculator will be able to help. 

Other charities and organisations that offer support 

For people in Scotland, you can contact Advice Direct Scotland:

For people in Wales, you can also contact Advicelink Cymru:

Webpage last updated: September 2023.

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