Energy Efficiency

Reducing your energy use at home

If your home isn't energy efficient, it is costing you money and wasting energy.

There are a number of ways you can reduce energy use in your home and save money on your bills:

• Change your energy tariff - register for the Energy Switch scheme
• Sign up to a bulk buying scheme for heating oil
• Check if there is any help to pay your bill
• Understand your bill and consider having a smart meter installed
• Check your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if you home has one
• Insulate your home - loft, cavity wall or solid wall insulation. Check if you are eligible for a grant below
• Upgrade an old boiler and heating controls
• Install draught-proofing
• Replace windows and doors
• Buy energy efficient appliances

Grants

You may be eligible for a grant to improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Green Home Grants are available to assist homeowners and landlords to make improvements to the energy efficiency of their properties.

We are also working with partners to provide Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) grants and ECO4 Flex. 

Simple Energy Advice has information on energy efficiency and grants, including the Energy Company Obligation. It also has information specifically for landlords and for tenants.  

For more information on all these grants, see the links at the bottom of this page.

Useful information on energy efficiency

Energy Switch Scheme helps residents use their combined buying power to join together to negotiate better deals for gas and electricity and save money on their bills.

Community Links bulk oil buying scheme aims to save members money by bringing communities together to make the most of their joint buying power so reducing the price of oil and passing the benefit on to the scheme's members. 

Solid Fuel Association can advise on the use and benefits of solid fuel.

Citizens Advice can advise you if you are struggling to pay your bills including benefits that you may be able to apply for. Other information includes how to read your meter, understanding your bill, information on prepayment and smart meters and how to make a complaint to your energy supplier.

Energy Saving Trust can give you information on all aspects of energy efficiency including insulation, heating systems, smart meters and energy efficient appliances.

Help with your bills

Warm Homes Discount if you are in receipt of Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) or if you are on a low income.

Cold Weather Payment payable during cold weather, if you are in receipt of certain benefits

Winter Fuel Payment payable if you are of retirement age

Support with debt

If you have any arrears on you energy bills with your energy supplier you can get advice on how to reduce this debt from various organisations and independent advisors who may be able to help you:

• British Gas Energy Trust 
• E.on Energy Fund 
• Scottish Power Hardship Fund 
• Ovo Energy Fund 
• AgeUK 
• Fuel Direct