Green energy schemes and tips for saving on your bills
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said the government's energy-reducing policies are "putting a cushion" between global energy prices and bills.
Here is a look at what these energy policies are and how you can make the most of them.
You can make energy-saving improvements to your home or business without having to pay all the costs up front through the 'Green Deal'. This is a grant which allows you to have work done to your home to help reduce bills which will then be paid off in instalments through your electricity bills.
Energy-saving improvements include:
insulation - e.g. loft or cavity wall insulation
heating
draught-proofing
double glazing
renewable energy technologies - e.g. solar panels or wind turbines
The Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount is available for winter 2013 to 2014 if your energy company is participating in the scheme and you are over 75-years-old on the 'qualifying day' (which has yet to be announced) and receiving the guarantee credit element of the state pension. Alternatively if you are under 75 and getting the guarantee credit element of the state pension (and are not receiving the saving credit).
Some energy companies also extend the Warm Home Discount to those under 75 who are vulnerable such as those on low incomes.
A full list of the energy companies participating in the scheme is available HERE.
The Warm Home Discount does not affect your Cold Weather Payment of Winter Fuel Allowance.
Cold Weather Payment
You may be eligible for the Cold Weather Payments if you are getting certain benefits.
Payments will be made when your local temperature is either recorded as, or forecast to be, an average of zero degrees Celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.
Find out if your area is due to receive a payment with the Cold Weather Payment Tool.
Winter Fuel Allowance
You could get between £100 and £300 tax-free to help pay your heating bills if you were born on or before 5 July 1951. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.
Most payments are made automatically between November and December. You should get your money by Christmas.
You should get a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you get the State Pension or another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit).
You may still be eligible for the payment if you live in another European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland.
Tips for keeping your home warm
The Energy Saving Trust has seven steps to saving energy straight away.
Turn it down - turn down your central heating
Turn it off - Turn off your light, appliances and chargers when you can
Careful in the kitchen - use a low temperature on your washing machine, do not over fill your kettle
Get a head - get an eco shower head to reduce water consumption
Do not lag behind - insulate your hot water cylinder or boiler
Be a draught excluder - draught-proofing products are cheap ways to cut your heating costs
Other website offer similar tips to help you keep your bills down but your home warm, such as;