Managing energy bills

It is important to let your energy provider know that you or someone you live with has pulmonary hypertension. Suppliers should provide extra support to those classed as vulnerable, and making sure you are on the Priority Services Register is the first step.

Government support for energy bills

It was announced in the Spring Budget (March 2023) that the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee will continue until July 2023, despite the £400 winter discount having ended in March.

This means that if you live in England, Scotland or Wales, energy bills for a typical household will be limited to £2,500 a year.

Energy is regulated separately in Northern Ireland, where bills will be held at £1,950 per year for an average household.

How to save money on your gas and electricity

Citizens Advice have this list of simple ways to spend less on energy bills – which doesn’t include turning your heating off!

These helpful energy-saving tips from the BBC are designed to keep your bills lower.

How to get help if you can’t afford your energy bills

If you’re struggling pay, or think you may struggle soon, please speak to your energy supplier as soon as possible. Ofgem has this information on getting help.  

Energy suppliers who offer grants to their customers

With thanks to the CF Trust for the following information on this page

• British Gas Energy Support Fund – apply for a grant on the British Gas Energy Trust website
• Scottish Power Hardship Fund – apply for a grant on the Scottish Power Hardship Fund website
• Ovo Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the Ovo Energy Fund website
• E.ON Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the E.ON Energy Fund website
• E.ON Next Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the E.ON Next Energy Fund website
• EDF Energy Customer Support Fund – sign up to the priority services register to apply for a grant on the EDF Energy website
• Bulb Energy Fund – apply for a grant on the Bulb Energy Fund website Closed until 2023
• Octopus ‘Octo Assist Fund’ – apply for a grant on the Octopus website
• Shell Energy Support Fund – apply for help on the Shell Energy website
• Utility Warehouse project helps customers who may be experiencing or at risk of fuel poverty or are in financial hardship. Advisers and caseworkers provide holistic debt advice, including income maximisation, budgeting, benefit eligibility, and energy efficiency. They can advise on eligibility and support with applications for a one-off payment of £150 (financial assistance scheme) or debt write-off through the Utility Warehouse Customer Support Scheme. To apply for support, call Utility Warehouse on 0333 777 0777.

If your supplier isn’t listed, it’s a good idea to contact them directly to see what extra support they can give you.

British Gas Energy Trust

The British Gas Energy Trust will consider applications for grants from anyone, regardless of your energy supplier.

Other support available

• Disability charity Scope offer free energy and water advice to disabled people, helping them to manage their energy and water needs.
• Citizens Advice provide information regarding energy costs and support available.
• The WaterSure scheme allows certain water users to have their bills capped, if on a water meter and someone in the home has a medical condition which requires a significant use of water.
• If you can’t afford to top up your prepayment meter, you can ask your local council or food bank for a fuel voucher and they may be able to provide one. This is a code given to you in a letter or in a text message or email, which you can use at a PayPoint shop, Payzone shop or Post Office to add credit to your gas card or electricity key.

 Support for energy bills in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Wales

• Nest offers a range of free, impartial advice and, if you are eligible, a package of free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating, insulation.
• In Wales, the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) provides grants to help with essential costs after an emergency or help you or someone you care for live independently.

Scotland

• The Scottish Government has launched the Cost of Living Support Scotland hub for advice and support.
• The Scottish Welfare Fund supports individuals and families in Scotland on low incomes through Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants.
• The Home Heating Support Fund is available in Scotland to support you if you are struggling with your energy costs. 
• Section 12 Payments can be paid to a vulnerable person aged 18 or over, and can cover emergencies, debts as well as preventative help to avoid a person’s needs becoming greater.

Northern Ireland

• In Northern Ireland, the Finance Support Service supports people in need of short-term financial assistance through the Discretionary Support scheme.