It’s not unusual for the rising cost of water, gas and electricity to stretch your budget. Over half of Greater Manchester residents find it difficult to afford their energy bills.
Here are some ways you can reduce these expenses if you’re struggling to pay or have fallen behind on your payments:
If you are struggling with your gas or electricity contact the advice team and we can refer you for help with:
- Resolve issues with your current supplier
- Find out if you’re eligible for financial support
- Check if you’re eligible for the Priority Services Register
- Provide energy-saving advice and install items like LED lightbulbs
You can also contact the CAB Energy Advice Service on 0808 1644406.
The Warm Home Discount scheme reduces your electricity bill by £150 and is usually applied automatically if you’re eligible. You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity and you’re eligible.
Go to the Government website to find out if you qualify for the scheme. It is open between October and March.
For everyone over the state pension age of 66, the Winter Fuel Payment is an automatic payment of £100 or £300 made in November or December to help pay your heating bills.
You will receive a letter between October and November telling you how much you will receive.
Go to the government website if you think you qualify but haven’t received it.
Many of the big energy suppliers provide support for customers struggling with fuel debt. You’ll need to contact your energy supplier directly to find out if you’re eligible. Here are some of the main supplier support schemes:
Water bills
There are lots of schemes available to help with the cost of water bills. Whether you can reduce your water bill will depend on how you pay it and your income.
- Check if your supplier has any special tariffs you could qualify for
- Use their free water-saving products
- Check if it would be cheaper to have a water meter fitted. Remember, you’ll need to check with us before installing it.
- If you’re falling behind with your payments, ask if your supplier has a restart scheme or similar
If you live in a property with a water meter, and you, or someone in your home receives benefits or tax credits, there are government regulations in place to protect you.
You qualify for the WaterSure Scheme if:
- You have three or more children up to 19 years old in full time education who live with you, and for whom you claim Child Benefit
- Someone in your household has a medical condition which means they use a lot of water
- It means you won’t have to pay more than the average domestic customer for your area
Check the average for your area below.
United Utilities
If you’re a United Utilities customer, you might qualify for schemes that can help reduce the cost of your bills:
Depending on your circumstances, your water bill could be capped at a lower amount for the year.
If you owe money, United Utilities may match your payment until your debt is cleared, matching every £1 you pay with £1.
Help to Pay
If you receive Pension Credit, you may be eligible for a discount on your bills.
Find out if you're eligible
