Funding home energy
Energy efficiency, funding and help with fuel costs
Energy from fossil fuels such as gas used to heat homes, hot water and power appliances is a major contributor to climate change.
Improving the energy efficiency of homes and buildings by reducing the energy we use and moving to using renewable sources such as solar panels is a national, regional and district priority.
There are pots of money available to help with improving the energy efficiency of homes and move them to low carbon heating systems.
Some of those pots are open to all residents, and other pots are targeted at low-efficiency homes, low-income households and households with high fuel bills.
Winter Fuel Payments
Where a household has someone over 65 years of age or older, the Winter Fuel Payment could help with your heating bills over winter.
You get get between 100 and £300 to help pay your heating bills. You can find out more about if you are eligible and what to do next online at gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.
Renewable Heat Incentive
You could get money towards producing renewable energy heat. Eligible producers will be paid for each unit (kWh) of heat produced by
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biomass boilers
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solar water heating
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certain heat pumps
Find out more at the government’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive website.
Solar Together
You can join many other residents in a group buying scheme that will offer you a good discount on solar panels and/or battery storage.
The scheme is available for all residents of Canterbury (rented properties must be with the permission of the landlord). Find out more or register your interest at the Solar Together website.
Help with paying bills
If you are struggling to afford your energy bills, you might be able to take advantage of certain benefits, grants and help offered by the government and energy suppliers.
Cold Weather Payments
Cold Weather Payments are one-off payments to help you pay for extra heating costs when it’s very cold.
You will get a payment each time the temperature drops below a specific temperature for a set period of time. You’ll only be eligible if you already get:
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Pension Credit
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Income Support
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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Universal Credit
Find out more on the government’s Cold Weather Payments website.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
Check with your supplier to see if they offer the Warm Home Discount – not all suppliers are part of the scheme. You have to apply yourself and you might be able to get £140 off your electricity bill if you are:
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getting the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit
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on a low income
Find out more about the Warm Home Discount Scheme on GOV.UK.
Grants to help pay off your energy debts
If you have large arrears on your gas, electricity or water bills the following energy companies offer grants and schemes:
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British Gas Energy Trust – you don’t have to be a customer
There are also companies who offer grants specifically for their customers:
When you apply for a grant, you will have to provide detailed information about your financial situation in your application.
It could take a while to complete, and it might be worth getting help applying.
The charity Charis Grants can help you with the application. Alternatively you can get help from an adviser at Citizens Advice.
Energy switching
Changing your energy supplier may save money on your bills. You can use one of the cost comparison sites or buy as part of a collective group.
If you require further assistance with debt advice contact
Published: 30 March 2021