Energy Bills
| Service | Information | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Help with energy bills | Advice for cutting energy costs and keeping bills lower For free, or low-cost changes you can make to lower your energy bills, see: – Simple Energy Advice Simple ways to lower your energy bills at home – Four cheap ways to save energy at home – A practical guide from the BBC – Citizens Advice: Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills | EDF Energy Customer Support Fund E.ON Energy Fund OVO Debt and Energy Assistance Scottish Power Hardship Fund Octopus Support Fund |
| MoneySavingExpert.com | Martin Lewis CBE the Money Saving Expert suggests you look at the “Is my direct debit correct calculator”. By entering your annual estimated usage, it will calculate what your estimated monthly direct debit should be. Then return to your provider and ask them to lower your direct debit. If they refuse, rather than stopping your direct debit and paying on receipt of a bill (which could charge at least 10% more) ask for a variable direct debit. This means, instead of having your usage spread out over the year and paying the standard amount, you give them a meter reading each month and they change the direct debit based on the meter readings and you pay for what you use. | Check out the criteria here |
| Loop | Access your smart meter data on your smartphone with Loop This is helpful if your smart meter has difficulty connecting due to a weak wifi connection. The Loop app connects to your meters, analyses your energy data, shows ways you can reduce your usage and it will also show your cost. Loop is available through your smartphone FREE through Google Play and ISO. It takes less than 10 minutes to set up and a few days to configure. | Visit: Loop |
| GoCompare’s Energy Appliance Calculator | Ever wondered whether it’s cheaper to run a gas or electric oven? Or how about an electric blanket for 3 hours versus turning the heating on for 30 minutes? | See how much something costs to run by using Go Compares GoCompare’s Energy Appliance Calculator |
Water and Telecoms – Help
| Service | Information | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| CCW – the voice for water consumers | Every water company has a social tariff scheme which can help reduce your bills if you’re on a low income. Who is eligible for help and the level of support varies depending on your water company. You can also ask them for support with: – Trialing a water meter – Debt Support Schemes – Financial Hardship Funds – Payment breaks – Flexible payment plans – Water Direct – using benefit payments | Visit: social tariff scheme |
| My Water Footprint | Affinity Water has a great quiz which helps you find how much water you will use annually and provides helpful tips on how you can reduce your water consumptions. It will also give you important facts on how your reduction helps the environment. Get your children involved so they will be mindful next time they leave the tap running. | Visit: My Water Footprint quiz |
| Affinity Water | Reduce your usage and start saving with a water meter If you live in a busy household it worth considering having a water meter instals so you can be in control of your water bill. You’ll be able to see how much water you use and if you use less water you are also likely to save on your energy bills! | Find out more and apply for a water meter |
| WaterSure Tariff | WaterSure Tariff caps your charges, so additional water usage is not chargeable. If you meet the eligible criteria you may be able to apple to for the WaterSure scheme. Criteria includes: – in receipt of a qualifying benefit – 3 or more children under the age of 19 living in the property who are in full-time education or approved training – an occupant with a medical condition who needs to use a considerable about of water. | Find out more and apply today |
| Water Saving Devices | From little attachments for your shower to inserts for your lav, the boroughs supply Affinity Water, has invested in water-saving devices, so you don’t have to. Take the quick quiz and they’ll find and send you the device that suits your needs for free! | Claim Yours Today! |
| Ofcom’s – Cheaper broadband and phone packages | Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband. They’re delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. | You can apply for most tariffs online, or call your provider and ask to switch. Have a look at the current available tariffs Your provider might let you leave your current contract without paying a penalty fee. Read Ofcom’s guide to switching broadband to find out more. |