Energy, water and broadband bills
Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust provide information on how to:
- reduce energy use
- save money on bills
- install energy saving home improvements
Seasonal Health Intervention Network (SHINE)
The Council has teamed up with SHINE, the Seasonal Health Intervention Network. SHINE is a fuel poverty referral network. It is a free service for Londoners who are over 60, on a low income, have a disability or long term illness, or have children.
For further details visit Shine-London.org.uk
Winter fuel payments
If you were born on or before 25 September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600. For more details see Winter Fuel Payment.
Water tariffs
You may qualify for a lower water tariff if you are:
- getting certain benefits
- have a household income below £16,480
- have a water meter and use more water due to having a large family or medical condition
Find out more from Affinity Water
Social Tariffs for broadband and mobile phones
If you are getting Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits, you might qualify for cheaper broadband and mobile phone deals. Some deals are as low as £10 per month.
To find out if you or someone you know qualify, see OFCOM
Energy Saving Advice
You can save energy by making small changes to your home and habits. These can have a big impact in saving you money, and lower your carbon footprint.
Here are some changes you can make without spending a penny:
- Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping. Make sure that your curtains don't block radiators as this will stop heat flowing into the room.
- Don't leave appliances on stand-by.
- Turning your thermostat down by 1 °C can cut your bills by up to 10%. Most rooms temperatures should be around 18 °C. The living room that should be set at 21 °C. For vulnerable people and small children keep room temperatures at 21 °C.
- Switch off lights when you leave a room. Energy saving bulbs can save you up to £8 per year per bulb compared to traditional ones. Residents getting benefits can get two free bulbs from the council.
- Wash your clothes at 30 °C instead of 40 °C. This uses a third less electricity.
- Only boil the amount of water that you need when using the kettle.
- Check to see if you are eligible to receive a grant for your home.