Whether you're looking for quick fixes or longer-term ways to save, there's plenty of guidance to support you.
Discounts and benefits to help you pay your energy bills
Warm Home Discount Scheme
You might get £150 off your electricity bill if you’re on a low income, and you should get the discount automatically.
You should qualify for the Warm Home Discount if you are:
• On the guaranteed element of pension credit
• On a qualifying benefit because you have a low income, and also have high energy costs (this is based on your property characteristics, not how much you spend on energy)
• Have a direct relationship with a domestic electricity supplier.
How to get the discount
You’ll get a letter between late October 2025 and early January 2026 if:
· you're eligible for the scheme
· you might be eligible for the scheme, but you need to give more information
Contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you do not get a letter by early January 2026.
If you’re eligible for the scheme, your letter will confirm you do not need to do anything. Your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill by 31 March 2026.
Fuel Vouchers
If you can’t afford to top up your prepayment meter, you might be able to get a fuel
voucher. You’ll get the voucher as a code in a letter, text message or email that can be redeemed at a local convenience store (signed up to Paypoint) or Post Office (signed up with Payzone). Your local council might be able to help you get a fuel voucher - find your local council on GOV.UK.
Saving money through energy efficiency
Take control of your heating
More than half of the money spent on fuel bills goes on heating and hot water. Setting your heating controls correctly can help to reduce your bills.
A room temperature between 18°C and 21°C is ideal for most people. Try turning your room thermostat down by one degree within this range – it could save you around £90 a year. If a medical condition means you need a warmer home, ask your GP what room temperature you should aim for.
Save on energy and water in the bathroom
If you keep your shower time to just four minutes, you could save a typical household £60 a year on energy bills. Also swap just one bath a week for a 4-minute shower to save around £9 a year.
Turn off lights
Remember to turn lights off when you’re not using them - even if it’s just off for a few seconds. This could save around £6 a year. When it’s time to replace the bulb, consider going for an LED bulb - these reach full brightness right away and cost a lot less to run than older bulbs.
Make simple savings in the kitchen
Overfilling the kettle is an easy mistake to make. Measure out the water you need using a mug or the gauge on the kettle – it could save you up to £10 a year on your electricity bill.
You could save around £12 a year by using your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures. Ditch the dryer to save even more money - dry your clothes on racks inside or outside in warmer weather to save up to £50 a year.
Draught-proof your home
All homes need some amount of ventilation, although you shouldn’t feel cold in winter. Try blocking up unwanted gaps around your windows, doors and other openings where you feel a draught. You can get materials to do this, like draught-proofing strips, draught excluders and keyhole covers, from DIY stores.
Draught-proofing your windows and doors could save you around £40 a year on your bills and your home will feel warmer. Heat can escape through your chimney - installing a chimney draught excluder could save you around £55 a year.
What to do if you owe your supplier money
Grants to help pay off your energy debts
Some energy companies offer grants for their customers. Ask your supplier if they offer any support grants. If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, you might be able to get a grant from a charitable trust to help pay it off.
The British Gas Energy Trust has grants to help you clear your gas and energy debts, and you don’t have to be a customer. There are certain eligibility criteria such as you must be the account holder, you must have received money advice, and you must be in or facing fuel poverty. Speak to one of our advisers for more information.
Agree a repayment plan with your supplier
Tell your supplier that you want to pay off your debts in instalments as part of a repayment plan. You’ll pay fixed amounts towards the debt you owe over a set period of time, meaning you’ll pay what you can afford. The repayment plan will cover what you owe plus an amount for your current use.
To get support with your finances and debt, please complete the below referral form. Advice and Support Contact Form | Orbit Customer Hub
