UK Home Energy Cost Saving Advice for Low Income Households

Rising gas and electricity costs have put real pressure on many UK households, especially those on low incomes, benefits or pensions. If you are finding it hard to keep up with your home energy bills, there is help available.

This page brings together clear, simple advice to help you:

• Reduce your energy use without sacrificing comfort
• Lower your monthly direct debits and tariffs where possible
• Access UK grants, schemes and discounts for low income households
• Get support if you are in debt or worried about disconnection

We focus only on home energy (gas, electricity and heating) for households in the United Kingdom, not business energy.

UK grants and schemes for low income households

If you receive certain benefits or are on a low income, you may qualify for financial help with home energy costs. Availability changes regularly, but common support includes:

Warm Home Discount

The Warm Home Discount is a one-off discount on electricity bills for eligible households each winter. It is usually applied automatically if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. Other low income households may also qualify, depending on their supplier and circumstances.

Winter Fuel Payment (Pensioners)

If you were born before a certain date and live in the UK, you could receive a Winter Fuel Payment to help with heating costs. This is normally paid automatically if you receive the State Pension or certain benefits.

Cold Weather Payments

Some people receiving income-related benefits may get Cold Weather Payments when the temperature in their area is very low for several days in a row.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO) & other schemes

Under the Energy Company Obligation and similar schemes, some households can receive free or subsidised insulation, boiler upgrades or heating improvements. These are often targeted at low income or vulnerable households in poorly insulated homes.

Check the latest government guidance or speak to a trusted energy adviser to see what you may be able to claim.

Your rights if you cannot afford your bill

• Your supplier must work with you to agree a realistic repayment plan based on what you can afford.
• They should consider payment plans, payment holidays or payment reductions in difficult circumstances.
• Suppliers must take extra care if you are considered vulnerable – for example, due to age, disability, serious illness, or young children in the home.
• There are strict rules about disconnection, especially in winter and where vulnerable people are at risk.

If you are worried about being cut off or having to choose between heating and essentials, ask for help as soon as possible. The earlier you act, the more options you are likely to have.

Draught-proofing

Unwanted draughts can make your home feel much colder and waste more heating energy. Simple, low cost ideas include:

• Self-adhesive draught strips around doors and windows
• Draught excluders or rolled-up towels at the bottom of doors
• Closing unused chimneys with suitable draught excluders

These measures are especially helpful if you are renting and cannot make major changes.

Smart controls and thermostats

If you have central heating, using your controls effectively can make a big difference:

• Use thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to reduce heating in rooms you use less.
• Set timers so heating comes on just before you wake up or get home and turns off when not needed.
• If you have a smart meter or in-home display, use it to track which appliances use the most energy.

Insulation and bigger upgrades

Where funding is available, upgrading your home can cut bills for years to come:

• Loft insulation to reduce heat loss through the roof
• Cavity wall insulation where suitable
• More efficient boilers and heating systems
• Modern electric storage heaters in all-electric homes

Because these upgrades can be expensive, it is important to explore grants and schemes that could reduce or remove the cost for low income households.