Saving money on utility bills
Discover simple ways to save money on your gas, electricity and water – and see how we can help you manage your bills.
Gas and electricity
There are a number of ways you can control your energy costs, and a variety of schemes to help you.
Remember, gas and electricity are priority bills – if you don’t pay them, you run the risk of your gas or electricity being cut off by your supplier. Find out more about priority bills and debts in our free debt guidance.
How we can help
If you’re struggling to pay your bills, or want guidance on utility costs, please contact our Guideline team.
Government energy and heating discounts
The government offers a range of schemes to help with your energy bills.
Warm home discount
This is a credit of up to £140 added to your electricity account if you get pension credit, or have a low income.
Find out about the warm home discount on the government website
Winter fuel payment
This helps older people with their heating bills and can be worth up to £300.
Find out about the winter fuel payment on the government website
Cold weather payment
This is for eligible claimants during periods of cold winter weather.
Find out about the cold weather payment on the government website
Universal credit and benefits guidance
Everything you need to know about universal credit.
Support for vulnerable residents
Priority services registers
Your utility supplier can add you to a confidential register for vulnerable people. This means you can get additional help, especially in an emergency. This might include having meter readings taken on your behalf, ensuring prepayment meters are easy to access, and receiving priority help in a power cut.
Living with cancer and paying bills
If someone in your home is living with cancer, you can get advice on accessing energy schemes and financial grants from Macmillan Cancer Support.
Managing day-to-day energy costs
Switching gas or electricity suppliers
You can often save money by comparing gas and electricity offers and then switching suppliers.
- Fixed-price deals – these are often cheaper than variable deals.
- Dual-fuel deals – combining your gas and electricity can be cheaper.
- Direct debit – you may get a discount if you pay by direct debit.
Always check the length of any deal and see if there are any charges for ending the deal early.
Compare prices on the Citizens Advice energy comparison website
Water
Your water use will contribute significantly to energy costs. If you have gas heating, around 15% of your heating bill (£80 a year) will be spent on heating water.
Get a water meter
Getting a water meter fitted is free. Water meters measure how much water you use, so you only pay for what you use. Your water company can advise you if a water meter is right for your home.
Get support from your water supplier
Water companies offer help for customers with specific needs, including cheaper rates if you’re on a low income, or getting priority water if mains supplies are disrupted.
If you already have a water meter and use a lot of water because of a medical condition, or because you have three or more children, you can ask your water company to join a WaterSure scheme. This caps your bills, regardless of how much water you use.
How we can help
If you’re struggling to pay your bills, or want guidance on utility costs, please contact our Guideline team.
Tools for managing your money
Benefits calculator
Find out which benefits you can claim with our simple, online benefits calculator.
You’ll also be able to find out how much better off you’ll be in work.
It’s free to use, takes just a few minutes and is completely anonymous.
Benefits calculator
Budget planner
See how a budget plan can help you stay in control of your money.
The independent Money Advice Service has a really useful online budget planner. It can help you see what you can afford and how you might be able to save money.
It’s simple to complete and anyone can use it.
If you want any help using the budget planner or our benefits calculator – or any other financial guidance – please contact our Clarion Futures Money Guidance team.
Universal credit and benefits guidance
Everything you need to know about universal credit.
Savings, loans and borrowing money
Practical advice and information on managing your finances.
