Help with energy costs

If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, help may be available through grants, benefits and support schemes.

If you’re on a low income and struggling with the cost of heating oil, you may be able to get help through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Heating oil support is managed by district councils. Not all homes heated by oil will be eligible, and support will depend on your circumstances.

Find out more about heating oil support and how to apply through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Citizens Advice provides information about financial support that may be available from energy suppliers, charities and government schemes, including:

• Winter Fuel Payment,
• Warm Home Discount
• Cold Weather Payment
• Fuel vouchers

Energy advice and support

Free advice is available to help you reduce your energy bills, improve your home’s energy efficiency and access available support.

EnergyRESET Energy Advice, delivered through Citizens Advice Devon, offers personalised energy advice and home energy assessments. The Energy Saving Trust also provides independent advice on reducing energy use and lowering energy costs.

Improve your home’s energy efficiency

Making your home more energy efficient can help reduce energy bills and keep your home warmer.

Support may be available to help fund improvements such as insulation and heating upgrades. Visit GOV.UK for information on available support.

If your household income is below £30,000 a year, or you receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for free energy efficiency improvements through government-funded schemes. Find out more through Energy Saving Devon and your local Community Energy Group.

Priority Services Register

Energy suppliers offer a free Priority Services Register for customers who may need extra support.

You may be eligible if you:

• Are of pension age
• Have a disability or long-term health condition
• Have young people in your household
• Need additional support during a power cut

Being on the register can provide practical support, including advance notice of planned power cuts and additional help during emergencies.

Contact your energy supplier to find out if you’re eligible.

Help with energy debt

If you’ve fallen behind with your energy bills, it is important to seek advice as early as possible.

Grants may be available to help clear gas and electricity debt, including support through the British Gas Energy Trust.

Free and confidential debt advice is also available from Citizens Advice Devon.

Staying warm and safe at home

There are simple steps you can take to stay warm while using less energy:

• Heat yourself, not the space. Wear several layers of clothing rather than one thick layer.
• Heat the rooms you use most and aim to keep them at least 18°C.
• Babies and young children may need extra layers and bedding during cold weather.
• Never use candles to heat your home.
• Follow safety advice when using portable heaters. For more information, visit the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service website.

Warm spaces

If you’re finding it difficult to keep your home warm, local warm spaces can provide a free, welcoming place to spend time.

Many venues provide a warm environment, hot drinks, internet access, community activities and opportunities to meet other people.

Devon’s libraries are warm, welcoming spaces where you can stay warm, use computers and Wi‑Fi, take part in activities or simply spend time in a safe and comfortable environment.