Energy efficiency, fuel bills and keeping warm

With the rising cost of energy and cost of living in general, many households may struggle to have enough money to heat their homes. This webpage contains lots of useful information and advice about actions you can take to help you stay warm and healthy through the winter months, including details of the support available to reduce energy bills and make energy efficiency improvements.

Get advice and support to stay well in winter

Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather but you can take small steps to keep you and your family healthy over winter. See our Winter Well page for tips and advice. 

Other useful information can also be found in our Be Winter Prepared Booklet

Get help and advice to save energy at home

There are a number of ways you can save energy at home - from making simple no cost lifestyle changes and low-cost improvements, through to higher-cost heating and insulation measures. Our Get help and advice to save energy at home pages provide more information.

Get help to pay your fuel bills

Here are some ways that you could get help towards your energy costs this winter. 

Pension Credit 

Pension Credit is extra money from the government to top up your pension income. It also acts as a passport to other entitlements, such as Cold Weather Payments, Council Tax reductions and help with health costs.

To claim Pension Credit, you must be over State Pension age and on a low income. You can check if you qualify here, or by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. 

Crisis & Resilience Fund

The government has announced new funding to support people who are in financial crisis. This funding replaces the Household Support Fund from 1 April 2026 and will run until 31 March 2029.

The new fund, called the Crisis and Resilience Fund, is funded by the UK government and is intended to help people cope with a sudden and unexpected expense or loss of income, while also helping to build longer term financial resilience.

For details of eligibility and how to apply visit - https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/article/14868/Crisis-and-Resilience-Fund

Winter Fuel Payment 

Winter Fuel Payments range from £100 to £300 depending on age and circumstances. If your total income is over £35,000 you will still receive the payment, but it will be recovered later via HMRC. 

For further details visit https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

or contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre - Telephone: 0800 731 0160 

Cold Weather Payment 

Cold Weather Payments help people on a low income with their fuel costs. 

Each time the average temperature in your area falls below 0°C for seven days in a row between 1 November and 31 March, you'll receive £25. 

You should automatically get a payment within 14 working days. This won't affect any of your other benefits. To find out more about Cold Weather Payments, visit - https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment

Warm Home Discount 

 The Warm Home Discount is a government scheme that gives eligible households £150 towards their winter energy costs.

To find out more about the Warm Home Discount Scheme, call 0800 030 9322 or visit www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

Cost of Living Support 

 If you are struggling to pay bills, or are concerned about food and energy costs, a range of support may be available. 

This includes income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel. 

More information can be found at www.gov.uk/cost-of-living 

Help paying your water bill 

Water companies understand that people can struggle to pay their bills and fall into debt at times. If this happens to you, contact your water company and explain your situation so that they can provide you with the best support they can offer. 

Support can include reduced bills through social tariffs, debt support schemes and hardship funds. 

 For more information visit - https://www.unitedutilities.com/my-account/ your-bill/difficulty-paying-your-bill/how-we-can-help

You can also get advice from Energy Projects Plus at www.epplus.org.uk or free phone energy advice line 0800 043 0151.

Energy efficiency improvement schemes

Energy efficiency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation can make a big difference to bills, as can replacing an old inefficient boiler.

 You may be eligible for free energy efficiency or heating measures - contact the following organisations to see what support is available: 

• St Helens Borough Council's Affordable Warmth Team - 01744 676555, 

• Save Energy Advice Line - 0800 043 0151, 

• Your energy supplier and see if you qualify for the Energy Company Obligation,

• Other local grant schemes are available, such as the Warm Homes Local Grant. Visit the council's Save Energy webpage at www.sthelens.gov.uk/saveenergy for more details, 

 • To see what measures are recommended for your property, create an action plan and see what support is available at https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency

Our Energy Efficiency Improvement Schemes webpage offers more information on available schemes. 

Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register is a free service to help vulnerable people who may have additional needs. It allows your network operator to provide you with advance notice of planned power cuts and priority support in an emergency.

Emergency Power Cuts & Being Winter Ready

The Energy Networks Association and network operators have put together information on what you need to know should there be power cuts and how you can be as prepared as possible this winter.

• Be Winter Ready - Energy Networks Association
• Scottish Power Energy Networks - Preparing for Winter & Emergency Power Cuts 
• Electricity North West - Be Winter Ready

For more information or advice about any of the above sections please complete our general enquiry form and a member of our Affordable Warmth Team will get back to you.