Usually when energy bills go up, the best advice is to shop around for a cheaper deal if you can find one.

Tell your supplier straight away if you are finding it hard to pay. Suppliers will provide specialist advice and support to find a solution before things get worse.

Grants are available to clear domestic gas and electricity debts. But before you apply for these grants, get some free advice from a reputable agency like those listed below to make sure they are the right option for you.

Energy schemes, support and advice

Energy - Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register is a free support service that makes sure extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations.

You can register, for free, for priority services if you might need extra advice and support due to your medical or personal circumstances.

  • Energy suppliers and network operators both keep a Priority Services Register. If you think you should be added to either, you need to contact your energy supplier or network operator.
  • Your supplier can pass your details to your network operator to add you to their register. It's a good idea to ask them to do this if you rely on your energy supply for medical reasons.

Who is eligible, how to register and what help you can get

Ofgem: Get help from your supplier - Priority Services Register


Register with Northern Powergrid: Powergrid Care

Register with Northern Powergrid and your details will be shared securely with Northern Gas Networks as they work together to manage the register.

Northern Powergrid: Powergrid Care or call 0800 169 2996.

If English isn't a first language, call 0800 389 8204.


Register with British Gas

If you are a British Gas customer, they offer priority services for people who are elderly or disabled. You can also join their priority register if you have been affected by a life-changing event.

British Gas Priority Services Register

Other energy schemes and advice

  • British Gas Energy Trust supports people who are struggling to pay their bills. They award grants to households that remove energy debt, fund emergency fuel credit and provide boiler replacements.
  • Citizens Advice: Your energy supply offers free support if you're struggling to pay your energy bills or can't afford to top up your prepayment meter. They can help you to understand your bill and get a better energy deal.
  • Energy Saving Trust: Energy At Home advises how to make your home more energy efficient to help lower energy bills.
  • Go.Compare: Energy Cost Calculator helps you find out how much something costs to run. Use the calculator to pick the appliances you want to compare and select how long they’ll be in use for.
  • Groundwork Green Doctor gives free, impartial energy advice to stay warm, stay well, and save money on household bills.
  • HEAT provide 1-to-1 mentoring, support, and advocacy for households experiencing energy-related challenges. Their Energy Mentors offer tailored advice to help people navigate energy crises and take control of their energy use.
  • Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) is a free service that helps people keep warm and reduce their energy bills without costing them any money. See how you can save and check your eligibility for the scheme.
  • Ofgem - Switching energy tariff or supplier tells you how to compare and switch your energy tariff or supplier when shopping around for a new energy deal.
  • Owning, buying or renting a property - The Housing Solutions Service can help you find, keep and maintain an affordable home. They can support you if you are living in a privately rented house and your landlord has not carried out necessary repairs, or if they do not have up-to-date safety certificates.
  • Simple Energy Advice gives impartial and independent advice to help you reduce energy bills and make your home warmer.

Water

Yorkshire Water Priority Services Register - Yorkshire Water can provide temporary water supply if mains supplies are interrupted for certain people.

Yorkshire Water - Help paying your bill - If you're struggling to pay, there's immediate short term and longer-term schemes you can apply for.

Guidance for council tenants

  • Money advice for council tenants gives free and impartial advice on a wide range of support. This includes energy debt, budgeting and money management, insolvency, rent matters and more.

Repairs

  • Age UK: Handyperson services are available if you are eligible. They can include:
    • Energy efficiency checks - installing draught excluders, radiator heat reflectors and energy efficient lightbulbs
    • Small repairs - putting up curtain rails, shelves and pictures
    • Safety measures - fitting smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and grab rails
    • Home security - door and window locks, door chains and door viewers.

Support through Winter

  • The Cold Weather Payment GOV.UK is an automatic payment if:
    • you're getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest; and
    • the average temperature in your area is recorded as zero degrees celsius or below over seven consecutive days.
  • Winter Fuel Payment GOV.UK - If you receive Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits you may be eligible for this payment. Many pensioners are not claiming Pension Credit, even though they could qualify for it. Check if you could receive Pension Credit
  • Warm Home Discount Scheme GOV.UK - If you're on a low income or get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit you could qualify for a one-off discount on your winter energy bill.
  • Keeping warm and well GOV.UK Advice for everyone on how to stay warm and well during cold weather.

Top tips on keeping warm and cosy in winter

  • Don't let the cold catch you out - check the weather forecast so you are prepared.
  • Make sure you have tinned, dried and frozen food in the house so you can make a hot meal.
  • Have plenty of hot drinks like tea, coffee or hot water.
  • Make sure you have enough of your prescription medicines at home or have them delivered.
  • If you're at greater risk from COVID or flu, it's important to get the extra protection of a vaccination.
  • Heat your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18℃ in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom.
  • Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer. Socks and hats are great too as hands and feet can soon get cold.
  • Cover yourself with a blanket or shawl if you are sitting for long periods.
  • Tuck curtains behind radiators, this will keep the heat in the room.
  • Keep moving if you can, this will help keep you warm.

Winter vaccinations and winter health gives advice for over 60s, low income families and people living with a disability.

Top tips for reducing energy waste in the home

Lots of energy suppliers are offering households the option of having a smart meter. This is a free, simple device which shows how much gas and electricity is being used.

More information:

Some other ways to reduce energy waste in the home

  • Install insulation
  • Upgrade your boiler
  • Use heavy or lined curtains
  • Use rugs
  • Close rooms that you aren't using.

If you need immediate help

Local Welfare Provision

Local Welfare Provision includes contact details if you are need immediate support.

Additional support

  • Mental health support offers a range of resources and advice if you are experiencing mental health problems. Get confidential help and support.