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Tips to help you get ready for winter
The cold weather will be here before we know it and with household budgets stretched and energy prices likely to stay high for the next few years, we need to start preparing for winter now.
Here are our 4 top tips that will make a difference:
1. Contact your energy supplier now so that support is in place ready for this winter.
It is really important that your energy supplier knows your situation. They can help, but only if you contact them.
- Tell them if you or someone living with you is elderly, is a child, has a disability, a long-term illness or relies on a constant electricity or gas supply for medicine, equipment or other health reasons.
- They will be able to tell you if you’re eligible for any additional financial support.
- They might be able to provide a discretionary credit to you if you are struggling to top up your prepayment meter, but this will probably need to be paid back later.
- They must reduce any weekly charges for an old debt to something that is affordable for you.
- They can make sure that your meter is working properly. But please remember that, if they don’t find anything wrong, you may have to pay for the cost of the test, so check this with your supplier.
- They can also check that they are charging you the correct prices and explain whether a smart meter might suit you more.
How do I contact my energy supplier?
We have included contact details for all main energy suppliers here.
If you don’t know who your electricity supplier is, you will need to contact your network operator, they own and run the pipes and wires that carry gas and electricity. Enter your postcode here to find out who your network operator is and their contact details.
2. Top up your prepayment meter
- If you can afford it, try to put a little extra on your gas and / or electricity prepayment meter every time you top up. This will start to build a bit of a buffer to get you through the winter months when it’s colder.
3. Speak to your local council, housing provider or landlord about how your home can be made more energy efficient.
- There are some grants available to make simple energy efficient changes to your property.
- Let us know if you would like to be referred to our partner who can see if you are eligible for a free boiler or home insulation. Please send us an email with your name, address and phone number to energysavings@fuelbankfoundation.org.
- Also, try and make a few small changes to your everyday habits and you could benefit from savings on your energy costs. They’re not going to reduce by a lot, but they will chip away and make a small difference over time.
See suggestions below:
No cost
Switch off lights that aren’t being used
Reduce the number of appliances on standby
Use the economy button on washing machines and other appliances
Low cost
Draught proofing
Loft insulation
Domestic hot water cylinder jacket
4. Make sure that you are getting everything you can.
- Use the IE Hub, it’s a free online tool to help you manage your money better. It will let you know if there are any additional benefits you could be receiving as well as any additional financial support you may be entitled to.
- Do you have children? Speak to your school about Free School Meals, or to the NHS for Healthy Start or Best Start vouchers for pre-schoolers or if you’re pregnant.
- Speak to your water company about being on their social tariff. It could save you up to £200 per year.
- Speak to your local authority or landlord to see if there is any crisis help that they can provide.
