Fuel bills - how to get the best deal

One of the key objectives of the Affordable Warmth Strategy is to help householders better understand their fuel bills, the different tariffs available and payment options.

A tariff is the amount of money you pay per unit of fuel.

Energy tariffs

Different utility companies can charge different rates for supplying electricity and gas to your home. You may find that you could get a cheaper rate by changing your supplier or payment method or tariff with your current energy supplier.

The following websites offer impartial advice on the different tariffs available and explain how to change supplier as well as other useful tips on how to get the best deal from your energy supplier:

• www.energyhelpline.com
• www.saveonyourbills.co.uk
• www.uswitch.com
• www.consumerfocus.org.uk
• www.moneysupermarket.com
• www.ukpower.co.uk

National Energy Action can also offer advice on what to look out for when deciding to change your tariff as suppliers can offer special energy packages. To find out more information on the different tariffs available contact your supplier direct, or visit: www.nea.org.uk for more information.

Utility companies

You can find out what tariffs and/or discounts each of the utility companies are currently offering by visiting their websites. Some of the major utility companies are listed below:

• British Gas
• EDF Energy
• E-On
• N-Power
• Scottish Power
• Scottish and Southern Energy

Rebates and Winter Payments

During the colder months we rely heavily on being able to heat our homes effectively and efficiently without it costing the earth. For some the continuous increase in energy prices turning on our heating can be a very worrying time.

The following schemes may be able to offer some financial support to help towards paying those fuel bills during the winter months

Cold Weather Payment is made to eligible householders in an area where a period of 'exceptionally cold weather' has occurred or been forecast to occur. Householders will receive £25.00 for any qualifying week. There is no need to claim since payment is made automatically.

Home Heat Helpline offers a free expert service for vulnerable people who may be worried about paying heating bills or need some easy to understand advice on how to save energy. They can offer advice on benefits, grants for free home insulation as well as advise on reduced tariffs and special payment options your energy supplier provides. Telephone: 0800 336699

Priority Register

Energy suppliers along with water and sewage companies are obliged to offer a free range of services, known as the priority register for their most vulnerable customers. If you are of pensionable age, have a disability, have a hearing and/or visual impairmenet or have long term ill-health then you may be able to benefit from the following:

• Password protection scheme
• Regular meter readings
• Communication services for those with hearing and visual impairments
• Priority services in an emergency
• Annual gas safety checks
• Advance notice of electricity supply interruption
• Bill nominee scheme
• Conveniently located prepayment meters

• Consumer Focus - Your entitlement to free services and benefits

Warm Homes Discount is a new national discount on energy for 2011-2012. It is not to be confused with the already existing Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment.

The discount takes effect from the 11 September 2011 and will provide ££ 120 rebate on householders electricity bills in winter and it will increase slightly over the next 3 years.

For further information visit Directgov or click on the link below to view the eligible criteria table:

• Warm homes discount

People who recieve guaranteed pension credit will automatically receive the Warm Home discount, other eligible people need to apply to their utility supplier.

Winter Fuel Payment is a tax free annual benefit for over 60's paid by the government. You do not need to apply if you have previously received a pyament and your circumstances have not changed. However, if your circumstances have changed you may need to take action. Contact the Winter Fuel Helpline on 08459 15 15 15 for further information.

Utility Debt Support

Some householders may find themselves in a position where they struggle to pay for their gas and electricity and soon find themselves in debt. Listed below are a number of different organisations that may be able to offer help and advice in clearing energy arrears.

Charis Grant offer a complete grants management service for charitable or corporate giving through Trust or Assistance Funds. At present these offer grant awards for utility debt and other essential household bills and costs. Domestic customers of any of the companies listed below can apply for financial help.

British Gas Energy Trust offers advice and grants for customers who are unable to meet or pay charges for domestic energy supply. To find out more visit www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk or Telephone: 01733 421060

EDF Energy Trust Fund offers advice and grants to help clear domestic energy arrears and other essential household bills or costs. To find out more visit www.edfenergy.com or Telephone: 01733 421 021

NPower Energy Trust Fund offers advice and grants to help clear gas and electricity debt. To find out more visit www.npowerenergytrust.org.uk or to request an application form Telephone: 01733 421 021