Energy, water and broadband bills
Harrow Energy Advice and Support with the Cost-of-Living Project
This project offers a free service to households and eligible organisations in Harrow to help with reducing energy usage and bills.
The service is managed by Groundwork London who provide telephone, online and face to face visits with a qualified energy advisor also known as a ‘Green Doctor’.
The Green Doctor
The Green Doctor can carry out an energy efficiency assessment on homes and buildings to identify cost saving measures to reduce bills. The service can also help;
- With accessing the Warm Homes Discount or Priority Services Register
- Support with applications for energy or water debt relief
- Refer households for the installation of larger energy saving measures if needed
- Install free small efficiency measures, such as LED lightbulbs and draught proofing
Households in Harrow that are registered to the project and experiencing financial difficulties due to the cost of living, can also be supported, and referred to other service providers.
Register for a Green Doctor consultation
Alternatively, you can register by calling 0300 365 3005
To find out more about the Green Doctors and see them in action watch this video.
Voluntary, community and public sector organisations can receive support to identify energy savings measures for their premises. To register an interest in having an energy audit as an organisation, please contact 0300 365 3005.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
Energy Advice for London
Energy Advice for London provides Londoners with free, impartial and tailored energy advice. It is funded by the Mayor of London and delivered by Energy Saving Trust.
Visit Energy Advice for London
Seasonal Health Intervention Network (SHINE)
The London Borough of Harrow has teamed up with SHINE, the Seasonal Health Intervention Network. SHINE is a fuel poverty referral network. It provides free energy advice 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 to help you pay your heating bills. For more details see Winter Fuel Payment.
Water tariffs
You may qualify for a lower water tariff if you are:
- in receipt of certain benefits or have a household income below £16,480
- have a water meter and consume 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 claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits, you may be eligible for cheaper reliable broadband and mobile phone packages. Some deals are as low as £10 per month.
To find out if you or someone you know could be eligible to switch to low-cost broadband or phone services, visit OFCOM
Energy Saving Advice
You can save energy by making small changes to your home and habits, which can have a big impact in saving you money and 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%. Rooms temperatures should be around 18 °C, except 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 in receipt of benefits can receive 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.
For more information you can email climate.change@harrow.gov.uk