Energy-Saving Tips and Grants
Citizens Advice Wyre Forest shares tips for saving money on your energy bills
As people across Wyre Forest struggle with sky-high energy bills, below are some tips that we hope provides practical advice for bringing down costs.
We've teamed up with Energy Saving Trust to provide the following advice for making small savings around the home.
- Turning your appliances off standby could save you £65 a year
- Draught proofing windows, doors and blocking cracks around your home could save you up to £125 a year
- Turning off lights when you leave a room could save you £25 a year
- Washing your clothes at 30 degrees and doing one less machine run a week could save you around £34 a year
- Ditching the tumble dryer and drying your clothes on racks in a well-ventilated room or outside in warmer weather could save you £70 a year
- Reducing your shower time to 4 minutes can save you £95 a year
- Swapping one bath a week with a 4 minute shower can save you £20 a year
- Avoiding overfilling the kettle could save you £13 a year
- Running your dishwasher one time less per week could save you £17 a year
People must get all the support they’re entitled to
These lifestyle changes will not cover the hole in many household budgets, so we're also urging people to check they’re getting all the support they’re entitled to. This could include:
- Energy Bills Support Scheme — a £400 discount given to every household. People who use prepayment meters are also entitled to this - there’s more information here on how this works.
- The current scheme ends in April BUT new scheme has been announced for those on benefits, with 2 payments set to be released for income-based benefit applicants during Spring and Autumn 2023. There will also be payments, like last year, for those receiving disability and pension benefits.
- Warm Home Discount — a £150 discount if you get certain benefits
- This is automated and there is no application form. It will be applied to your electric account if eligible
- Fuel vouchers — if you can’t afford to top up your prepayment meter
- Cold weather payments — payments if you get certain benefits and the weather is extremely cold
- Grants from your energy supplier — to help you pay off debts you may owe
It's worth completing a benefit check to ensure you're receiving everything you're entitled to - even if you already get benefits, or you're full-time employed:
If you haven't received help from us before and you're struggling with fuel/food costs, you may be able to get support from our Household Support Fund (Jan-March 2023). Click HERE to apply
If you owe money to your energy supplier, you should speak to them about setting up a payment plan. They’re responsible for helping you find a way to pay your bills.
For more information, visit the Citizens Advice website.
Elaine Lowe, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Wyre Forest, said:
“We know times are extremely hard and a lot of people are struggling to stay afloat. It’s important to know about any way you can safely save money and what support you’re entitled to.
“We know many people are already doing everything they can and are still stretched beyond their limit. If you need personalised support, don’t hesitate to contact us.”
For information and advice, contact us on 0808 278 7891 or visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
