Energy and heating advice

The government has launched the £1 billion Great British Insulation Scheme to help some families insulate their homes. 

Families in lower council tax bands with less energy-efficient homes will be offered upgrades such as roof, loft or cavity wall insulation. Customers will be able to use an online checker for the Great British Insulation Scheme to find out if they are eligible. 

Home Upgrade Grant

A separate online checker has also been launched for the Home Upgrade Grant, which will help off-the-gas-grid homes that have an energy performance certificate rating of D to G. The grant provides energy efficiency upgrades and low carbon heating to households in England. 

What happens next

Customers using the online tools will then be referred to either their energy supplier, for support from the Energy Company Obligation programme and Great British Insulation Scheme, or their council for the Home Upgrade Grant. 

The government has recently announced that customers who don’t pay for their energy directly to their supplier will be eligible for a £400 discount on their fuel bills. This includes

• care home residents
• residents of park homes
• tenants in some private and social rented homes
• residents of caravans and houseboats on registered sites
• farmers living in domestic farmhouses
• off-grid households

The application process is now open and details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Alternative Fuel Payment scheme expanded

The government announced in mid-April that it has expanded the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme. It will now support households that use:

• heating oil
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• biomass
• other alternative fuels

The government has increased the period of time that applicants can provide evidence of the purchase of alternative fuels. This means those eligible for the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment can now apply using receipts from June 2022 until May 2023. This ensures that households who purchased fuel in bulk ahead of the winter are able to receive the £200 energy bill support.

We know that some people need a little extra help, which is why we offer priority support to those who need it.

By registering for a Priority Service Register, you’ll get extra support during a power cut if you need it.

These registers are suitable for elderly, very ill or disabled people, or those who rely on power for medical equipment.

Water suppliers also have priority registers. If you are on their register, they can make sure you’re aware of disruptions by either phoning you, a home visit, or perhaps letting your neighbour know so they can make you aware.

• Bristol Water Priority Services or you can call them 03456 003 600.
• Wessex Water Priority Services or you can call them on 03456 003 600.

Citizens Advice North Somerset can offer help and advice if you:

• are worried about an energy bill
• are struggling to pay an energy bill
• are having problems topping up your prepayment meter
• have been told your energy supply will be disconnected
• want to know how to get extra support from your energy provider

The Centre of Sustainable Energy have produced some helpful leaflets on energy advice and fuel poverty. They range from condensation and damp advice to low cost lighting options and understanding energy bills. These resources can be found on The Centre of Sustainable Energy website.

If you are disabled, Scope offer free energy and water advice to help you manage your energy and water needs. Their expert advisers can talk you through support available.

Burnham & Weston Energy are helping local residents reduce energy bills and keep homes warm. They're offering free, expert, independent, one-to-one energy advice to those who meet certain criteria.