Energy bills
Energy bills are rising, and if you’re struggling to keep up with your payments or to top up your pre-payment meter, there is help available.
You can get help with your energy bills or to top up your prepayment meter. You may also be eligible for benefits, grants and help offered by the government and energy suppliers.
Apply for the Warm Homes Local Grant
The Warm Homes Local Grant scheme helps low-income Londoners make energy saving measures through free home improvements. You can check if you’re eligible and apply for the scheme.
Check if you can save money on your energy bills
There are schemes which can help you save money on your energy bills. The energy regulator Ofgem provides information about support you can get if you have a low income or you are over 67 years old. Visit the Ofgem site to see if you can get help from government schemes like the Warm Home Discount, the Cold Weather Payment and the Winter Fuel Payment, or from grants and charities.
For advice about ways to save energy in your home, the Energy Saving Trust website provides tips on:
If you are on a pre-payment energy meter
If you can't afford to top up your pre-payment meter, Citizens Advice has some information about what to do.
The best energy bill deals, and largest variety of tariffs, are usually available if you pay by direct debit, rather than paying after your bill arrives, or topping up credit on a pre-payment meter. The maximum amount you pay (the "price cap") if you pay by direct debit is less than the price cap for pre-payment meters.
If you want to change from a pre-payment meter, your energy company should not charge you to change to a direct debit. You may not be able to change from a pre-payment meter if you are in debt to your energy supplier.
To find out which payment option is right for you, visit Citizens Advice's website.