The cost-of-living crisis is impacting millions of people across the country. So, it’s important to save where you can. Below are some useful tips that might help you with saving your money.
Switch off
Most electrical appliances can be turned off at the socket without interrupting the programme. You may wish to purchase a standby saver or smart plug. These will allow you to turn all your appliances off in one go. You should check the instructions carefully for any appliances you are not sure of. Some digital and/or satellite recorders may need to be left plugged in so the appliance can keep track of any the time. Turn off lights when you are not using them or when leaving a room. You can cut down on costs by replacing your light bulbs with LEDs.
The top ‘energy vampires’:
- Games consoles
- TVs
- Laptops
- Printers
- Chargers
- Smart Speakers
Draught-proof windows and doors
You may lose some heat through draughts around doors, windows and gaps around the floor or through the chimney. Using draft excluders can limit this loss.
Kitchen
Washing machine
To help with reducing the cost of using a washing machine, you can do the following:
- Use a lower temperature, such as 20 degrees
- use the eco setting
- Avoiding half loads
- Reduce use by 1 run per week
Tumble Dryer
If possible, try and avoid using a tumble dryer. Rather hang washing up indoors or outside.
Kettle
Do not overfill your kettle, only put in the amount of water you are going to use.
Microwave
Microwaves are more efficient than ovens at cooking as microwaves only heat food and not the air. Slow cookers and air fryers can also help save energy costs
Dishwasher
- Make sure your dishwasher is fully loaded
- Try to use the dishwasher once a week
- Use the eco setting on your dishwasher
Bathroom
- Swap a bath for a shower
- Spend less time in a shower
- Use a water-saving shower head
Heating
- Turn the thermostat down by 1 degree Celsius
- When night falls, close curtains in order to retain the heat
- Don’t heat up empty rooms
- Close doors to keep the heat in
Help and support
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born on or before 25 September 1956, you can get help towards your heating bills. You don’t need to make a claim; an automatic payment will be made to you either in November or December. You need to be receiving a State Pension along with another benefit (like income support).
Cold Weather Payment
The Cold Weather Payment scheme is due to reopen on 1 November. You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you are in receipt of certain benefits (pension credit, income support,iIncome-based jobseekers allowance, income-related employment and support allowance or universal credit) or support for mortgage interest.
You will receive payment if the average temperature in your area is forecasted to be zero degrees Celsius or over 7 consecutive days. You will receive a £25 for each 7 day period of cold weather from 1 November until 31 March 2023.
Warm Home Discount
You could get £150 off your electric bill as a one-off discount. This is applied between October to March. The Warm Home Discount has changed for 2022-23, there are now 2 core groups.
Core Group 1
You are automatically eligible for the discount if on 21 August 2022 you were in receipt of Guarantee Credit Element of Pension.
Core Group 2
Energy Suppliers have their own eligibility criteria and a limit on the number of discounts they can pay out. The standard requirements:
- If you are on a low income
- You are in receipt of the following means-tested benefits
- Income Support
- Another Sub
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit
The additional requirement for the discount is that your home must also meet the new high energy cost rules. This is where data around floor area, property age and property type is used by the government to identify households that are likely to have high energy costs.
Please contact your energy supplier for further information. The Warm Home Discount is due to be opened November.
Energy Supplies who offer grants
British Gas Energy Trust
The Energy Trust is an independent charitable trust which has been set up to support families and individuals who are struggling financially across England, Wales and Scotland. You do not need to be a British Gas customer in order to apply for the fund. However, you may wish to check if your current energy supplier has a fund or grant. There is a criteria and an application process to apply for the fund. Please seek further advice and support from us.
Scottish Power Hardship Fund
The Fund is to help and support Scottish Power Customers by clearing or reducing arrears by crediting a Scottish Power energy account. To qualify for the fund you must meet Scottish Power’s terms and conditions and you have to be receiving:
- Income Support
- Jobseekers Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance
You could also be eligible if your household has a low income, or there are special circumstances, such as a reduction in household income due to illness.
EON Energy Fund
The Energy Fund is for EON customers only. If you meet EON’s criteria, the fund could help pay your current or final EON Next energy bills and even replace old appliances. Like cookers or washing machines.
You can apply online and or contact EON Energy Fund.
Switched on Portsmouth
Switched On Portsmouth is run by Portsmouth City Council to provide residents in Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant with a number of ways to save energy and money.
Contact Details
Tel: 0800 260 5907
Email: hello@switchedonportsmouth.co.uk
Website: www.switchedonportsmouth.co.uk
