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.
A drop in the price cap means that from July,households will see a significant fall in their energy bills. The price cap limits how much suppliers can charge households for each unit of energy they use.
From 1st October 2023 the energy price cap is set at £1,923 a year for a typical household who use gas and electricity and pay by Direct Debit.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
