{"id":9182,"date":"2026-08-04T15:38:02","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T14:38:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living-2\/the-best-place\/five-challenges-for-devon-2-2\/"},"modified":"2026-10-02T14:50:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T13:50:22","slug":"energy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/help-with-living-costs\/energy\/","title":{"rendered":"Energy support"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"page-section clearfix text-dark\" id=\"block_acf-block-6abfb69b87272\"><div class=\"page-inner\"><div class=\"grid-container\"><div class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x\"><div class=\"medium-12 large-12 cell\"><div class=\"page-innerblocks\">\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Energy support<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re worried about paying your energy bills, support may be available to help with immediate costs, reduce your energy use, or improve your home&#8217;s energy efficiency. You can also access advice on staying warm and safe at home during colder weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-d5be3348 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);flex-basis:75%\">\n<h2 id=\"heating\" class=\"wp-block-heading section-heading\">Help with energy costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re struggling to pay your energy bills, help may be available through grants, benefits and support schemes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heating oil support is managed by district councils. Not all homes heated by oil will be eligible, and support will depend on your circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find out more about heating oil support and how to apply through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/help-with-living-costs\/crisis-and-resilience-fund\/\">Crisis and Resilience Fund<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/consumer\/energy\/energy-supply\/get-help-paying-your-bills\/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Citizens Advice<\/a> provides information about financial support that may be available from energy suppliers, charities and government schemes, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Winter Fuel Payment,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Warm Home Discount<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cold Weather Payment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fuel vouchers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"heating\" class=\"wp-block-heading section-heading\">Energy advice and support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free advice is available to help you reduce your energy bills, improve your home&#8217;s energy efficiency and access available support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cabdevon.org.uk\/projects\/#empower\" rel=\"noopener\">EnergyRESET Energy Advice<\/a>, delivered through Citizens Advice Devon, offers personalised energy advice and home energy assessments. The <a href=\"https:\/\/energysavingtrust.org.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Energy Saving Trust<\/a> also provides independent advice on reducing energy use and lowering energy costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"heating\" class=\"wp-block-heading section-heading\">Improve your home&#8217;s energy efficiency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Making your home more energy efficient can help reduce energy bills and keep your home warmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support may be available to help fund improvements such as insulation and heating upgrades. Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/get-help-energy-bills\" rel=\"noopener\">GOV.UK<\/a> for information on available support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your household income is below \u00a330,000 a year, or you receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for free energy efficiency improvements through government-funded schemes. Find out more through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energysavingdevon.org.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Energy Saving Devon<\/a> and your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energysavingdevon.org.uk\/help\/how-your-local-community-energy-organisation-can-support-you\/\" rel=\"noopener\">local Community Energy Group<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"heating\" class=\"wp-block-heading section-heading\">Priority Services Register<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Energy suppliers offer a free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turn2us.org.uk\/get-support\/information-for-your-situation\/energy-schemes\/priority-services-register-energy-companies\" rel=\"noopener\">Priority Services Register<\/a> for customers who may need extra support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may be eligible if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are of pension age<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have a disability or long-term health condition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have young people in your household<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Need additional support during a power cut<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being on the register can provide practical support, including advance notice of planned power cuts and additional help during emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Contact your energy supplier to find out if you&#8217;re eligible.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"heating\" class=\"wp-block-heading section-heading\">Help with energy debt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;ve fallen behind with your energy bills, it is important to seek advice as early as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grants may be available to help clear gas and electricity debt, including support through the <a href=\"https:\/\/britishgasenergytrust.org.uk\/grants-available\/\" rel=\"noopener\">British Gas Energy Trust<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free and confidential debt advice is also available from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cabdevon.org.uk\/advice\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Citizens Advice Devon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"heating\" class=\"wp-block-heading section-heading\">Staying warm and safe at home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are simple steps you can take to stay warm while using less energy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Heat <strong>yourself,<\/strong> not the space. Wear several layers of clothing rather than one thick layer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heat the rooms you use most and aim to keep them at least 18\u00b0C.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Babies and young children may need extra layers and bedding during cold weather.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Never use candles to heat your home.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow safety advice when using portable heaters. For more information, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dsfire.gov.uk\/safety\/home\/stay-warm-safely-winter\" rel=\"noopener\">Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service<\/a> website.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"warmspaces\" class=\"wp-block-heading section-heading\">Warm spaces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re finding it difficult to keep your home warm, local warm spaces can provide a free, welcoming place to spend time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many venues provide a warm environment, hot drinks, internet access, community activities and opportunities to meet other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/discover.librariesunlimited.org.uk\/our-libraries\" rel=\"noopener\">Devon&#8217;s libraries<\/a> are warm, welcoming spaces where you can stay warm, use computers and Wi\u2011Fi, take part in activities or simply spend time in a safe and comfortable environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group priority-register is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group priority-register__header is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Staying safe from scams and fraud<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group priority-register__content is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be cautious of unexpected calls, texts, emails or social media messages offering energy grants, rebates or energy-saving schemes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before sharing personal information or making a payment, check that the organisation is genuine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devonsomersettradingstandards.gov.uk\/consumer\/scams-rogue-traders-and-doorstep-crime\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Read our guidance on spotting and reporting scams and fraud<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group quick-links is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading quick-links__heading has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1\" style=\"font-size:1.1rem\">Looking for more support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list quick-links__list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/benefits-checker\/\">Benefits checker<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/help-with-living-costs\/housing-and-council-tax-support\/\">Housing and Council Tax support<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/support-for-older-people\/\">Support for older people<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/support-for-disabled-people-and-carers\/\">Support for disabled people and carers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-54d3af74 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#d8e1e8;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:10px;border-top-right-radius:10px;border-bottom-left-radius:10px;border-bottom-right-radius:10px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:1.1rem\">Need urgent help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Citizens Advice Devon can help you understand your options and support your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a onclick=\"dataLayer.push({&amp;apos;buttonEvent&amp;apos;: &amp;apos;Information page&amp;apos;});\" class=\"wp-block-button__link has-default-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cabdevon.org.uk\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Contact Citizens Advice<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":748,"featured_media":0,"parent":9183,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-landing.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-9182","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-10-14 06:25:33","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9182","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/748"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9182"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9182\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10168,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9182\/revisions\/10168"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9183"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/cost-of-living\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}