Energy Saving
We understand that the cost of living crisis can make it tough to manage expenses, especially during the colder months. This page offers practical tips and advice to save on energy bills, along with exclusive discount schemes to ease payments.
Tips & Advice
Energy Saving Tips
- Draw curtains at dusk: This acts as a barrier and prevents heat loss.
- Open curtains during the day: Take advantage of sunlight in the winter to keep your house warm.
- Shut windows: If the heating is on and the windows are open, you are wasting energy and money.
- Draught-proof your front door: And letter box to stop cold air entering.
- Wash your clothes at 30-40°C: Higher temperatures cost more.
- Do not dry clothes directly on radiators: This lowers the room temperature and the boiler has to work harder.
- Do not put furniture in front of radiators: This stops the warm air flow around the room.
- Adjust your boiler settings: Set the heating to come on 20 minutes before you get out of bed to warm the house.
How to Pay Less – Tips from our Head of Asset Management
Justin O’Connor, our Head of Asset Management, shares these tips on how to pay less on your energy costs:
- Request a smart meter: Your energy provider may provide the installation of a smart meter in your home free of charge. A smart meter will help you understand your energy use and identify the appliances that use the most.
- Understand your bill: Your energy bill will include a unit cost for the energy you use and a standing charge. This is a fixed cost by your supplier for administration, supply and maintenance. Find out more about understanding your energy bill.
- Submit a meter reading: When your supplier asks for one. It stops you getting an estimated bill, which could be too high. Ask your supplier to move your meter to a more convenient location if you are having trouble reading it.
- Pay by direct debit, go paperless: You will probably get a cheaper deal from your energy supplier this way, but it is not possible for everyone.
- Check your heating and hot water controls: It may sound obvious, but if you are heating hot water you do not use, you are wasting energy. This is a good example of how you can reduce your energy use.
- Do not lock into the first energy deal you are offered: Shop around suppliers and compare the market.
- Apply for help with your bill: You or someone in your household may be eligible for an energy discount or additional support.
- If you are in debt with your energy supplier: You may be able to get a grant to help pay it off, depending on your individual circumstances. Contact your energy supplier.
Discount Schemes
- Warm Home Discount Scheme: The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill. You are eligible if you receive pension credit or have a low income. The Discount Scheme will reopen in October 2024.
- Winter Fuel Payment: If you were born before 23rd September 1958, you could get either £200 or £300 to help pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025. You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits.
- Cold Weather Payment: 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.
Priority Services Register
Find out more about the Priority Services Register. You might be eligible to go on your energy supplier’s PSR if you:
- Are of pensionable age
- Are disabled or chronically sick
- Have a long-term medical condition
- Have a hearing or visual impairment or additional communication needs
- Be in a vulnerable situation