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How can I save money on fuel bills?

This information applies to England, Wales and Scotland

There are various ways you can save money on fuel bills.

Use fuel more efficiently

Most households can save a substantial amount on fuel bills by using energy in an efficient way, and can be warmer and healthier as a result. Grants and discount schemes are available to help with fuel efficiency measures. These include Warm Front in England, The Energy Assistance Package in Scotland and the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in Wales. Even if you have to meet some of the costs yourself, the savings on fuel bills can quickly repay the initial cost.

If you ask for it, your fuel supplier must provide free information and advice on:

  • preventing heat loss from the home
  • choosing gas or electricity heating systems and controls
  • using a gas or electricity heating system efficiently.

For more information about how to use less energy and cut your fuel bills, go to the Energy Saving Trust website at: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk. You can also do a home energy check at: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk, or phone your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre on 0800 512 012.

Switch fuel supplier

You may be able to reduce your fuel costs by changing your fuel supplier. Many fuel companies now operate dual fuel schemes which can save you money if you buy both gas and electricity from that supplier. There may also be other schemes that operate locally or nationally.

You can find more information about changing your fuel supplier, from the consumer watchdog Consumer Focus at: www.consumerfocus.org.uk.

You can also get help and advice about changing your supplier by phoning Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506.

If you are having problems paying your fuel bills, you should contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by e-mail, click on nearest CAB.

Choosing a different payment method

You may be able to reduce your fuel bills by choosing a payment method which offers a discount.

For example, some fuel suppliers offer a discount to customers who pay their bills by direct debit, standing order, a fixed payment budget scheme or a flexible payments scheme.

For more information about the different methods of payment available for paying fuel bills, see Gas supply and Electricity supply.

Getting help towards your fuel bills in winter

If you are a woman who has reached state pension age, or a man who has reached the state pension age for a woman with the same date of birth as you, you may be able to get a Winter Fuel Payment to help with fuel costs over the winter.

For more information about Winter Fuel Payments, see Benefits for people over sixty.

If you are getting certain benefits, you may be able to get a cold weather payment when the weather reaches a certain temperature.

For more information about cold weather payments, see Help for people on a low income - the Social Fund.

Other Frequently asked questions about gas and electricity:

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