Following the energy price cap announced by Ofgem, energy bills are set to increase significantly from October, and again in January 2023. Every household will be offered a £400 energy grant by the Government to help this winter, but this won't cover the extra cost. However, there are some ways you can reduce your energy usage:
- Save £125 a year - draught-proof windows and doors
- Save £95 a year - keep your shower time to just 4 minutes
- Save £70 a year - set your boiler's flow temperature between 55 to 60 degrees (Source: The Heating Hub)
- Save £70 a year - avoid using the tumble dryer
- Save £70 a year - insulate your hot water cylinder
- Save £65 a year - switch appliances off standby mode
- Save £43 a year - don't overfill the kettle and fit an aerator onto your tap
- Save £34 a year - wash at 30ºC and do one less wash a week
- Save £25 a year - turn off lights when not needed.
- Save £20 a year - swap one bath a week for a shower
- Save £17 a year - reduce your dishwasher use by one run per week.
Source: The Energy Saving Trust. Visit their website for further help and advice for heating your home.
How we can support you
£25,000 to help reduce energy bills this Winter
Grants of up to £25,000 are now available for eligible Surrey residents to help make their homes warmer and more energy efficient. People living in hard to heat homes and on lower incomes could receive grants between £10,000 and £25,000 to improve insulation and install renewable technology such as solar electricity panels, which help reduce energy costs. Check if you are eligible by visiting the Action Surrey website or by calling an advisor on 0800 783 2503.
Energy Advice Tool
The online Energy Advice tool can help any Surrey resident with their energy use. Answer a short series of questions and we'll provide you with information tailored to your personal circumstances. Based on the answers you give, you will receive information on grants, support and advice and non-financial help on a range of topics including:
- Find free or part-funded schemes to make your home more energy efficient
- Signpost to debt relief grants
- Where to find additional services such as clothes and food banks
- Fuel vouchers
The tool will be updated regularly with new schemes and offerings, so check back regularly for updates.
Use the Surrey Energy Advice Tool
We will also run in-person sessions which can help with this tool throughout our "Warm Hub" network. For more information about "Warm Hubs" visit the our welfare support web pages under the "Local Support to Stay Warm" section.
Support from others
Contact your electricity and gas suppliers for advice, payment breaks, grants and free equipment such as eco shower heads.
Water companies offering discounts to eligible residents details can be found here:
- South East Water: Help paying your bill - South East Water
- SES Water: Help paying your bill - SES Water
- Thames Water: Financial support account and billing - Thames Water
- Affinity Water: Struggling to pay your bill? - Affinity Water
For advice on how to reduce your energy use and carbon footprint:
- Call Action Surrey on 0800 783 2503 to speak with an energy advisor or email them at info@actionsurrey.org.
- Go to a Warmth Matters Energy Club for free advice on saving energy and reducing energy bills or call them on 07521 503 696
- Citizens Advice Bureau can offer help to complete forms to access grants.
