With energy prices taking up an increasing percentage of household budgets, many across the UK are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with their gas and electricity bills. There are various government-backed and other schemes designed to ease the financial burden, and in some cases, help make homes more energy efficient.
From direct financial support to grants that cover 100% of the cost of home upgrades, here’s some of the ways you may be able to access the help available.
How to Get Help with Gas and Electric Bills?
If you’re receiving Universal Credit, you may be eligible for several schemes that can significantly reduce your energy costs.
Programmes like the Warm Homes Discount, Cold Weather Payment, and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme are specifically designed to assist low-income households (and likely low energy efficiency households) in managing their energy expenses. These schemes offer not just immediate financial relief but also long-term savings through energy-efficient home upgrades.
But even if you’re not on Universal Credit, there are still plenty of options available to help you cover your gas and electricity costs. From government grants to energy company support programs, many avenues can provide the assistance you need.
What Help is Available?
If you’re finding it difficult to pay your gas and electricity bills, it’s essential to seek help before your energy supplier considers disconnecting your service. One of the best ways to start is by looking into government grants that can provide energy-efficient home upgrades for free.
These upgrades not only reduce your current energy costs but also contribute to long-term savings.You don’t have to face it alone. There are numerous ways to get assistance, whether you’re on Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or another qualifying benefit.
For instance, you could benefit from the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme, which offers energy-efficient home upgrades, including better insulation and modern heating systems, often at no cost to you.
The scheme is funded by energy suppliers and is part of a broader effort to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint while helping households save money.
What is the ECO4 Scheme?
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is a government initiative aimed at helping low-income households enhance their home’s energy efficiency. Running from April 2022 until 2026, ECO4 focuses on reducing fuel poverty and lowering carbon emissions. The scheme offers financial assistance for energy-saving upgrades, making it easier for households to keep their energy bills in check.
One of the standout features of the ECO4 scheme is the provision of free boiler grants. Those with old, inefficient boilers, may be eligible for a replacement with a more energy-efficient model, significantly cutting your energy costs. The potential savings are considerable, with households potentially saving around £300 annually.
Who Qualifies for the ECO4 Scheme?
To qualify for a free boiler grant under the ECO4 scheme, you need to meet specific criteria:
- You must either own your home or be a private tenant.
- Your current boiler should be at least 15 years old.
- Your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating should be D-G.
The applicable government benefits include;
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit Guarantee
- Pension Credit Savings
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
However, not every household qualifies for a full grant. Some may only receive partial funding, depending on their circumstances. If you meet the eligibility criteria, applying for the grant is straightforward—typically involving an online survey or contacting an approved ECO installer.
Beyond boiler grants, the ECO4 scheme also covers other home improvements, such as heating controls, renewable energy systems, and insulation. These upgrades aim to lower energy costs, improve home comfort, and contribute to the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Click here to check your eligibility!
What grants are available under ECO4?
There are a range of heating measures available to keep heat in and make your home more energy efficient. Heating measures being offered as part of the scheme include:
- non-condensing boiler upgraded to an A-rated boiler
- inefficient storage heaters upgraded to high heat retention storage heaters
- inefficient heating upgraded to air-source heat pumps
- wall insulation (cavity wall or internal wall insulation)
- loft or roof insulation
- ventilation
- heating controls
Additional Government Schemes to Help with Energy Bills
Apart from the ECO4 scheme, several other government programmes can help you manage your energy costs:
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
GBIS is due to run until March 2026 and provides funding for eligible households to improve home insulation efficiency. It is complementary to ECO4 and offers financial assistance for households to insulate their homes and reduce their energy bills. Funding is targeted at low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) households and those in low Council Tax bands.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
For households in England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of up to £7,500 for installing low-carbon heating systems like air source heat pumps. This scheme had been due to run from 2022 until 2025, but has been extended until April 2028, and is an excellent opportunity to modernise your home’s heating system while reducing your environmental impact.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
This scheme provides a one-off discount on your electricity bill between September and March. In October 2022, the discount amount increased to £150, and the eligibility criteria were expanded to include more households. This discount doesn’t affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.
Cold Weather Payment
If the average temperature in your area drops to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days between 1 November and 31 March, you may qualify for a Cold Weather Payment of £25 for each week of cold weather.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you’ve reached state pension age, you could be eligible for between £100 and £300 in tax-free support to help cover your heating costs. Changes to eligibility mean this is now a means-tested payment (available to those who receive Pension Credits) rather than universally available to all pensioners. Payments are usually made between November and December, ensuring you can keep warm during the coldest months.
Energy Debt Grants
British Gas has established an Energy Support Fund, offering grants of up to £750 to help eligible customers pay down their energy debts. This support is particularly valuable for those struggling to manage rising living costs and inflation.
Economy 7 or Economy 10 Tariffs
If you use electric storage heaters, consider switching to an Economy 7 or Economy 10 tariff. These tariffs allow you to charge your storage heaters during the night when electricity is cheaper, helping you save money on your energy bills.
Smart Meter
Installing a smart meter won’t automatically save you money, but it will give you a clear picture of your energy usage in real time. This insight can help you make informed decisions about your energy consumption, potentially leading to significant savings. Most energy suppliers offer smart metres at no cost, so it’s worth checking if you’re eligible.
Conclusion
Clearly, there are a number of different avenues to look into if you are seeking help with gas and electricity bills. For those currently receiving government benefits, such as Universal Credit, they may be able to get help and funding to significantly reduce energy costs and ease the burden on their household budget.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) is one of the main government-backed initiatives that can aid low-income households in making energy-efficient changes and lowering their energy bills. In addition to ECO4, some grants and other funding is available to help with energy bills, including the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Cold Weather Payment, Winter Fuel Payment, Boiler Upgrade Scheme, Energy Debt Grants and many others. If you are a struggling household that receives government benefits, it is worth checking these schemes out!