As we head into the colder months, here’s some tips and tricks of ways you could save energy as well as some of the financial support that’s available.

Keep reading for ways to reduce your energy bills and to find out about grants and support available for anyone struggling with the cost of living.

Did you know that reducing your shower time to just four minutes could save you £54 a year? How about using energy saving light bulbs; they last up to ten times longer than the old incandescent bulbs and could save you around £55 over the life of the bulb.

Whether you're looking to save the planet or just cut some energy costs, this energy saving guide provides some top tips and tricks, including how to check how much appliances should cost you, and other useful info. 

Lowering your combi boiler’s flow temperature could save up to 5% of your gas use (Energy Savings Trust) and turning off your boiler’s pre-heat setting could save another 10% (the Heating Hub). Here's a step-by-step guide from the Heating Hub.

Find more information and support from Octopus Energy and The Money Saving Expert.

Contact your energy supplier

If you’re worried about paying your energy bills, are in debt to your supplier or can’t afford to top up your prepayment meter, then please contact your energy supplier. Your supplier must work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford under Ofgem rules. This includes reviewing a plan you have agreed before.

The Warm Home Discount scheme

The Warm Home Discount scheme is open for those struggling to pay their electricity bill. You could get £150 off your electricity bill for the coming winter, provided by the Government. You’ll get the discount automatically if you’re eligible. See if you qualify.

The British Gas Energy Trust

Energy grants up to £1,500 are available to support individuals and families struggling to pay gas bills. The British Gas Energy Trust is for those in energy debt and is available to anyone - you don’t have to be a British Gas customer.

Heat Pump Grants

The Government has launched the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which will offer £7,500 towards the cost of a new heat pump. Check if your home is eligible.

Connected for Warmth

Connected for Warmth is an initiative which offers free energy efficient measures for your home, including free cavity wall insulation, free loft insulation and free smart heating controls.

So far, over 130 households in Swindon have had measures installed, the highest number of households in the South West.

The scheme is currently open to Swindon homes in Council Tax Bands A-D. Funding approval is subject to a suitability assessment and allocated on a first come first served basis. If you're eligible, register your interest. 

Great British Insulation Scheme

Great British Insulation Scheme is offering free or cheaper insulation to reduce your home’s energy bills, if your home has an energy performance certificate of D to G and is in Council Tax bands A-D.

Measures include cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation (internal or external), loft insulation, flat or pitched roof insulation, underfloor insulation, solid floor insulation, park home insulation and room-in-roof insulation.

If you’d like some advice before you apply, contact Warm & Safe Wiltshire.

Are you having difficulty paying your bills?

Talk to Citizens Advice

If you’re struggling to afford your bills, Citizens Advice Swindon can provide advice and find funding that you may be eligible to apply for, depending on:

• how you pay for your energy
• the type of energy you use
• if you claim benefits

Visit the website or call 0808 278 7813 between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, to get advice.

Other help available with the cost of living

You can check these 20 practical actions that could help you or someone you know with the cost of living.

The Household Support Fund

For people whose essential outgoings are as much as their income, who don’t have savings and aren’t receiving Cost of Living Support payments from the Government, there’s a Household Support Fund which can be applied for.

If you or someone you know needs further information or help to apply, visit our website or call the Customer Services team on 01793 445500 

Residents who are in a crisis and need emergency food, heat or other essentials, can apply for the Emergency Assistance Fund.

If you’re looking for somewhere to keep warm, chat with people in the community and find additional resources to help with energy bills, then find your local Welcome Space.

These spaces are open to anyone. You won’t be asked why you’re there and won’t have to take part in any activities if you don’t wish to.

The facilities at each venue will vary – some venues may offer cold or hot drinks, free Wi-Fi or activities may be taking place. 

Find your nearest Welcome Space.