Energy costs
If you are in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant to help pay it off. Contact your supplier directly to see what extra support they can give you.
Local Energy Advice Programme (LEAP)
The LEAP page on the Southend Climate Action website has more information on this programme if you are struggling to pay your bills and find your home is cold.
Better Housing Better Health (BHBH)
BHBH is a charity that helps people experiencing fuel poverty. The service is free of charge and open to all residents.
Warm Hubs
Warm Hubs are spaces that are open to the public and can be used to keep warm during operating hours.
Great British Insulation Scheme
The Great British Insulation Scheme is a new government energy efficiency scheme that is designed to deliver improvements to the least energy efficient homes in Great Britain, to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce energy bills.
Apply for support from the Great British Insulation Scheme.
Energy saving tips
Visit Energy Saving Trust to find out how you can save money on your energy bills.
If you are struggling with your energy bills, National Energy Action has tips for maximising your income, as well as energy efficiency advice and support.
Water
Anglian Water's specially trained extra care support team can create personalised payment plans to help our customers budget, provide some breathing space if they need some extra time to pay, as well as guide them towards other help and benefits available
They also provide a range of free practical support services through their Priority Services Register. Priority Services in place to help lots of people with different needs and is completely free. By signing up, they are made aware of a customer's circumstance (for example, if they're living with a disability or going through a life change) and can tailor services to better support peoples needs.
- prioritise their needs if there's an interruption to their water supply
- help protect customers against bogus callers
- communicate in different languages, including British Sign Language
- send bills in alternative formats, including large print, audio and braille
- knock and wait, giving customers longer to get to the door
Accessing financial support if you use home oxygen equipment
With the rising cost of living, please remember, you can be reimbursed for the electricity used by your oxygen concentrator.
For information on how to access financial support whilst utilising oxygen, please visit the BOC website.
You are also entitled to join the priority services register with your energy supplier which includes:
- priority support in an emergency
- being informed of planned power cuts
Please contact your energy supplier to arrange this if not already in place.
Please visit OFGEM and Asthma and Lung UK for further information.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme
ECO4 is a government-supported initiative that requires energy suppliers to install cost-effective energy saving solutions in some of the UK's most vulnerable properties. Through the ECO4 Scheme, homes could receive discounted (or free) home insulation, an upgraded boiler or green heating system.
Eligibility: Your property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of D or lower and you must be receiving one of the following qualifying benefits:
- Income based Jobseekers allowance
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
- Housing Benefit
If you have any queries or think you may be eligible, please contact your energy provider for further information.
Eligibility: As well as supporting low-income and vulnerable households, it will also be available to those living in homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D to G, and within Council Tax bands A to D in England.
If you have any queries or think you may be eligible, please contact your energy provider for further information.
HUG 2 funds energy efficiency upgrades and clean heating systems in low-income households. The scheme targets the worst quality (EPC band D-G), off-gas grid homes in England, to tackle fuel poverty and progress towards the UK's 2050 Net Zero commitment.
Eligible residents can apply now using the Energy Saving Trust phoneline at 08081 968255 or apply online at www.hugapply.co.uk.
Avoid and report energy scams
Scammers may sometimes contact you pretending to be from Ofgem. For example, a scammer might call saying they are from Ofgem, suggest you switch and then ask for your bank details. There may also be scams which claim to offer discounts on energy bills.
For more information and to see how to report a scam, please see the ofgem website.