Gas and electricity bills

Help for Households

If you are struggling with the rising cost of living, the UK Government has created the Help for Households website which puts available financial support and advice all in one place. 

See what cost of living support you could be eligible for at helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk 

UK Government Energy Bill rebate

Households to start receiving £400 off their energy bills from October, with the discount made in 6 instalments to help families throughout the winter period. The final discount will be in March 2023. For more information, visit www.gov.uk 

Energy bills support scheme 

Households who have not yet received their £400 energy bill support may be eligible to apply via the Energy Bill Support Scheme Alternative Funding.

Between October 2022 and March 2023, the UK Government gave households who pay their gas and electricity bills a direct £66 reduction on their bills.

They are now offering financial support to residents who pay for their energy indirectly, for example via a landlord or care home provider. 

The scheme is now open to all eligible households until 31 May 2023. Apply for alternative fuel bill support if you do not get it automatically

Winter Fuel Payment pensioners

UK Governent payments towards fuel costs, which this winter include a Pensioner Cost of Living Payment of between £150 and £300. Eligible residents should receive a letter in October and November with the details of how much the total payment will be. The amount is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 19-25 September 2022. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment 

Warm Home Discount

Worth up to £140. Contact your energy supplier for more information or visit the UK Government website at www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme 

Cold weather payment

£25 a week for each 7-day period of cold weather if you receive certain benefits. For more information visit coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk 

Warm hubs

For details about free warm spaces near you, visit the Connect Torfaen website and search for “warm hub”

Advice

If you are struggling to pay your bills, contact your energy supplier in the first instance. 

Energy Saving Trust 

A non-profit organisation that provides free impartial advice to help you save money and fight climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from your home. For more information visit the Energy Saving Trust website or telephone 0800 512 012. 

Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP)  

The Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) service offers energy advice and free energy saving measures. It is available to anyone with a household income below £31,000 or in receipt of a range of benefits. For more information email deborah.woodrow@ageconnectstorfaen.org or telephone 01495 769264.

Warmer Wales 

A free comprehensive and impartial service that helps people to reduce their energy bills through supplier switching, insulation grants and more informed use.  Call Citizens Advice Torfaen on 01633 876121 to speak to an Energy Adviser. 

Nest Wales 

Nest Wales provides free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating or insulation to eligible residents. Visit the Nest Wales website or telephone 0808 808 2244.  

Smart Meters 

Can help to monitor your energy use and identify potential savings in your home. Contact your supplier for more information. 

Pre-payment Meters 

If you are struggling to top up meters, you are advised to contact your energy supplier. For more advice, visit the Citizens Advice website. 

Eco Flex 4

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a scheme that requires energy suppliers to improve energy-efficiency in UK homes while also tackling fuel poverty.

Applications for the ECO4 scheme are open to households that:

• Live in ‘off gas’ homes in rural areas
• Include individuals with certain health conditions  
• Receive welfare support, or 
• Have a household income of below £31,000. 

and

• Own or privately rent  a home which is not energy efficient (i.e. has an Energy Performance Certificate of Band E, F or G). 

If you are unsure what your property’s EPC rating is currently registered as, please check on www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

To check if you are eligible for Eco Flex 4, visit wearezing.com/ccr-funding

Last Modified: 11/05/2023 Back to top