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Help with energy bills

Some of our highest costs come from heating and running our homes - but there are often things that can be done to cut those costs. If you can't pay your energy bills now, contact your energy supplier. 

It's also worth planning ahead now, before the colder months, so you can get things in place and make the changes you need.

Support you can access yourself

Information on saving energy and reducing your bills at home is available online from many sources.

This advice can help you to:

• to find out how much it costs to run common household appliances and compare them against each other.
• Could you could benefit from having  installed
• which provides useful tips on how to save energy and how to save water in your home. 
• If you have a water meter there are tips to reduce the amount of water you use, which will help reduce the cost of your water, on the .

Household Support Fund

The Household Fund is to assist residents most in need, in the Preston area, to help with significant rising living costs, It is intended to help those who do not have enough resources to meet immediate short term needs and require assistance with essential items over the coming months.

Visit the Household Support Fund

Apply for money off low carbon heating technologies

Check the  guidance and  how to apply.

Advice for business

The energy regulator Ofgem offers a general .

Support if you can't afford to top up your prepayment meter

You can get temporary credit if you can't afford to top up your meter. Your supplier might add this to your meter automatically when you run out of credit, or you might have to contact them and ask. 

If you're struggling financially and have a pre-payment meter, you might be able to get a fuel voucher.

This is a code given to you in a letter or in a text message or email. You can use it to add credit to your gas card or electricity key. If you don't have one of these, contact your supplier to get one. 

You can contact your energy provider and ask for a 'fuel voucher' if:

• you have less than 拢4 on your meter; and
• you don't get paid for several days

A fuel voucher is a 拢49 voucher that can be applied to your meter. The vouchers can be applied up to twice in one year and you don't have to repay them.

Energy advice or if you're struggling to pay arrears

Contact your energy supplier and tell them you're struggling to afford your bills. Your supplier has to help you find a solution. Talk to them about a payment plan that works for you - this means making payments you can afford over a fixed period of time.

for information on what to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills.

If you have gas, electricity or water arrears that you're struggling to pay, you can find out about  on the Citizens Advice website.

The Energy Bill Support Scheme

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced an extra 拢15 billion of support for people dealing with the rising cost of living.

Cost of living payment

You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you're getting certain benefits or tax credits.

You do not need to apply. You'll be paid automatically. If you have had a message asking you to apply or contact someone about the payment, this might be a scam.

For more information visit our Cost of living payments page.

Disability Cost of Living Payment

Individuals on disability benefits will receive a one-off 拢150 payment in September to help with extra costs, such as for specialist equipment or transport.

This is in addition to the 拢650 Cost of Living Payment for disabled people who also receive means tested benefits.

Winter fuel payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

In the winter months pensioners can get between 拢100 and 拢300 to help pay heating bills.

This winter, they will also receive an extra one-off 拢300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment, which will be paid as an automatic top-up to the Winter Fuel Payment.

British Gas Energy Trust

British Gas Energy Trust are an independent charitable trust set up to support families and individuals facing financial hardship and energy debt.

If you're struggling with your energy bills they may be able to help, no matter who your energy supplier is.

Help with your broadband and landline phone bill

Broadband social tariffs provide a safety net for eligible households who might be struggling to afford their broadband and phone services. Different options are available to people in receipt of benefits.