Gas and electricity bills

Help for Households

If you are struggling with the rising cost of living, the UK Government has created the Help for Households website which puts available financial support and advice all in one place. 

See what cost of living support you could be eligible for at helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk

Winter Fuel Payment

Pensioners who claim certain benefits, such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit, can get up to £300 towards their winter heating bills. To find out more, visit www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment 

Domestic Heating Energy Efficiency Scheme 

Free UK Government-funded scheme for Torfaen residents on low income, benefits, who have been in energy debt or have a health condition made worse by living in a cold home. An additive is added to wet central heating systems or boilers to improve efficiency and reduce bills by up to £168 a year. 

It is open to homeowners and people who rent privately who have a wet central heating system or boiler until Friday 1 November 2024. For more information, email gary.meale@torfaen.gov.uk 

Great British Insulation Scheme  

The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is open to homes in Wales in council tax bands A to E with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or below.

Through the scheme you could receive insulation measures such as loft, cavity wall or solid wall insulation. Depending on the measure recommended, the installation could be free for cheaper measures or heavily subsidised for more expensive measures.

You can check your eligibility and apply by visiting Apply for support from the Great British Insulation Scheme - GOV.UK or contact your energy supplier directly to make an enquiry. 

Warm Home Discount

Worth up to £140. Contact your energy supplier for more information or visit the UK Government website at www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme 

Cold weather payment

£25 a week for each 7-day period of cold weather if you receive certain benefits. For more information visit coldweatherpayments.dwp.gov.uk 

Warm hubs

For details about free warm spaces near you, visit the Connect Torfaen website and search for “warm hub”

Advice

If you are struggling to pay your bills, contact your energy supplier in the first instance. 

Energy Saving Trust 

A non-profit organisation that provides free impartial advice to help you save money and fight climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from your home. For more information visit the Energy Saving Trust website or telephone 0800 512 012. 

Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP)  

The Local Energy Advice Partnership (LEAP) service offers energy advice and free energy saving measures. It is available to anyone with a household income below £31,000 or in receipt of a range of benefits. For more information email deborah.woodrow@ageconnectstorfaen.org or telephone 01495 769264.

Warmer Wales 

A free comprehensive and impartial service that helps people to reduce their energy bills through supplier switching, insulation grants and more informed use.  Call Citizens Advice Torfaen on 01633 876121 to speak to an Energy Adviser. 

Nest Wales 

The Welsh Government Warm Homes Nest scheme makes Welsh homes warmer and more energy efficient places to live.

Nest provides all households in Wales with free, impartial advice to help you reduce your energy bills, maximise your income, and lower your carbon footprint.

You could also be eligible for free home energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, a heat pump or solar panels.

Call freephone 0808 808 2244 or visit the website gov.wales/nest

Smart Meters 

Can help to monitor your energy use and identify potential savings in your home. Contact your supplier for more information. 

Pre-payment Meters 

If you are struggling to top up meters, you are advised to contact your energy supplier. For more advice, visit the Citizens Advice website. 

ECO4 Flex 

Find out if you are eligible to apply for help to improve your home’s energy efficiency via the ECO4 Flex Scheme.

Last Modified: 01/10/2024 Back to top