Heating your home
- Heating yourself not the space. We recommend that people try to heat the rooms they use most to at least 18 degrees centigrade.
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Wear several layers of clothing, rather than a single thick layer.
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Babies and children under five are also more at risk in cold weather. The NHS recommend children should wear several layers, and that using a number of lightweight blankets at night is advisable. They advise that the ideal temperature for a baby’s bedroom is between 16 to 20 degrees centigrade.
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Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue have lots of recommendations on their website. They recommend using a portable electric oil-filled radiator to heat room spaces, but warn that they should be kept a distance away from curtains, bedding and upholstery, and that they’re switched off and unplugged before going to bed.
- Candles are not a safe or sufficient way to heat your home.
Efficiency
If you have a household income of less than £30,000 a year you may be eligible for free energy efficiency improvements to your home worth thousands of pounds. The scheme offers eligible householders the chance to improve the warmth and energy efficiency of their homes by ‘retrofitting’ them.
Check your eligibility and apply through the Energy Saving Devon website
Warm spaces
Our local libraries offer warm spaces for people to come and to spend time, whether that’s through joining any of the many groups that use our libraries, or to use the computers and Wi-Fi, or even to come as a volunteer – which is also a great way to meet people.
Energy Costs
Priority Services Register
Energy companies have registers of customers who would be most at risk if their energy was cut off. This includes older people, people with illnesses or disabilities, and families with young children.
If you are over 66, ill or disabled, or have children living at home, ask your energy company if you can be added to their Priority Services Register.
This provides you with free extra services and may help protect you from disconnection if you struggle to pay your energy bills if your supplier has signed up to the Vulnerability Commitment.
Help for those on pre-payment meters
Citizens Advice Devon is managing an Energy Relief Scheme for those using pre-payment meters and who are struggling to meet their energy needs. This is being funded by the Household Support Fund.
To check eligibility and receive support, contact your local Citizens Advice office.
Energy debt
- Individuals and families can apply to the British Gas Energy Trust for grants to clear domestic gas and electricity debts. Please note that before applying to the Trust you are encouraged to get money or debt advice first. Find out more about applying for a grant on the British Gas Energy Trust website.
- The Energy Saving Trust provides independent, expert advice on steps you can take to save money on your energy bills.
- We’re are working with Citizen’s Advice Devon, which is also helping advise people about debt.