Where to Get Help

There are many organisations who can provide advice help for anyone with a fuel poverty related problem. As fuel poverty is affected by housing conditions, income levels and the cost of fuel, we have listed sources in relevant groups.

There are national programmes to help with improving energy efficiency and for grants towards fuel bills.

Use these links for more information on help for households in fuel poverty or who have fuel bill problems.

Energy efficiency grants and improvements

Warm Front
Provides a package of energy efficiency and heating measures for households in receipt of benefit or pension.
Site has links to regional contacts for equivalent programmes in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Pensions Service
List of useful contacts for older people

Energy Efficiency Advice Centres or national freephone 0800 512 012
Also contact your local authority, housing association or your fuel supplier. Local authorities and fuel suppliers have a statutory obligation to improve domestic energy efficiency

Warm Zones
Set up to develop new approaches to fuel poverty.

Fuel supply and payment problems

If you have problems with your gas or electricity bill, contact your fuel supplier or a local advice organisation as soon as possible. You can find your local CAB through the link below.

energywatch
The independent gas and electricity watchdog provides free and impartial advice and takes up individual cases if not resolved by gas or electricity suppliers.
Campaigns for a better deal for households and businesses as energy consumers.

Ofgem
The regulator for Britain's gas and electricity industries. Its role is to promote choice and value for all customers.

Gas emergency number - 0800 111999

Home Heat Helpline - 0800 33 66 99
A national helpline set up by the fuel companies for advice and information on energy efficiency and bill payment problems.
Also contact your fuel supplier as many fuel suppliers have set up funds to help low income consumers who have bill payment problems. (See below).

Fuel Suppliers Trusts

To help their own customers in financial difficulties.

British Gas Energy Trust Fund

Powergen Hardship Fund’s Caring Energy - 0800 051 1480

EDF Energy Trust

CORGI

Local CABx

Benefits and other government support

NHS Direct - 0845 4647

Pension Service

Winter Fuel Payments helpline

Keep Warm Keep Well