Energy advice and energy bill support
The cost of energy is set to rise from July 1st when the new energy price cap comes into effect. We’ll know by how much on Wednesday 27th May when the updated price cap is announced by Ofgem.
How much this impacts your household energy bills will depend on how much energy you use. You can find out more about the price cap here.
With the summer months set to begin, now is a good time to put into practice good habits and to start thinking about how you can reduce energy usage and lower your bills.
To prepare for this, and any further rises to the price cap later this year, we’ve listed some tips below to help you take action now and ensure you’re ready for the price rise.
Contact your energy supplier
- Your supplier should ensure you’re on the most economical tariff plan and suitable payment method, such as direct debit or Fuel Direct.
- Find out what help and support your supplier can offer. Most suppliers have their own internal debt relief funding schemes.
- Your suppler should be able to help manage any energy debt you might have by spreading costs.
- You can also negotiate a repayment plan with your energy supplier.
Visit our dedicated speaking to your energy supplier webpage for more information on how to contact your supplier.
Check for grants and financial support
There are a number of home efficiency grants and schemes that can help you to fund upgrades to your home, helping it to stay warmer for longer. What you are eligible for can often depend on your financial circumstances and where you live.
This includes the Home Energy Scotland Grant, the Scottish Government-backed Warmer Homes Scotland fund and Area Based Schemes, Energy Company Obligation funding and Great British Insulation Scheme.
Check for a fixed rate tariffs
If you think you could be paying less for your energy elsewhere, check what fixed rate tariffs are available from other suppliers. Fixed-rate tariffs fix the unit price and standing charge. They don’t go up or down. A fixed-rate tariff usually lasts for a set time period.
You might need to pay a fee if you want to leave a fixed-rate tariff before your contract ends. You can find out if your contract has an exit fee by checking your bill.
Visit our dedicated understanding your energy bill webpage for more information on different energy tariffs.
You can also find out more about switching energy suppliers on our dedicated web page.
Emergency Heating Oil scheme
If you use heating oil and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) to heat your home you are eligible to apply for a £300 grant through the new Emergency Heating Oil scheme. This scheme is set to close in September 2026.
Priority Services Register
Check if you’re eligible to join the Priority Services Register. The Register is a free service and provides additional protections for customers who are in fuel debt.
Once you’re on the Priority Services Register you can get support such as advance notice of power cuts, priority support in an emergency and help with prepayment meter access.
Insulation and draught proofing
Seek out advice on insulation and draught‑proofing. These can often be relatively low-cost , with grants and loans available for some. These will reduce heat loss from your home, making it warmer and more comfortable.
Our website features lots of advice and information on insulation and draught‑proofing.
Contact Changeworks today for extra support
Our Affordable Warmth Services team are on hand free, confidential and impartial energy and fuel billing advice to households. If you require help and support with your bills or contacting your energy supplier, speak to our team today.
Find out more about our Affordable Warmth Services team
Home Energy Scotland provide free, impartial expert advice to thousands of homes every month, helping them to keep warmer for less. Expert advisors are on hand to support households with renewable technology advice, what financial assistance they might be entitled to and more. Call on Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282.
Find out more about Home Energy Scotland.
If you work for a referral organisation, refer your clients to Changeworks here.
If you work for a housing association, contact us on workwithus@changeworks.org.uk to find out how we can support you and your tenants.
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